How to Dispose of a Mattress
If you’ve ever tried to get rid of an old mattress, you know it’s not as simple as dragging it to the curb. Mattresses are heavy, bulky, and in Massachusetts, you can’t just toss them in the landfill anymore. Since November 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has banned mattresses and box springs from disposal in landfills and incinerators.
That means homeowners, renters, and landlords need to find responsible ways to handle mattress disposal. Luckily, there are several options, including recycling programs, donation opportunities, and professional mattress removal services.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to dispose of a mattress, from recycling to mattress pickup near you.
Why proper mattress disposal is important
Getting rid of a mattress the wrong way can cause more problems than you might think.
- Environmental impact: A single mattress can take up 40 cubic feet of landfill space. Foam and synthetic fibers can take decades or even centuries to break down.
- State regulations: Massachusetts’ waste ban prohibits mattresses in landfills. Dumping a mattress illegally can result in fines or code violations for property owners.
- Recycling benefits: Up to 90% of a mattress can be recycled into new products, including scrap metal, carpet padding, and other textile materials. Recycling reduces waste and conserves resources.
Common mattress disposal options
Recycling a mattress may sound complicated, but Worcester County residents have several practical options to ensure proper mattress disposal.
Donation
If your mattress is gently used, free of stains, and in good condition, some local charities may accept it. Always call ahead first.
Municipal collection
Some towns offer bulky item pickup or allow residents to drop off mattresses at local transfer stations. Fees may apply.
Mattress recycling programs
Massachusetts works with recycling organizations like Green Mattress to divert thousands of mattresses from landfills each year.
Mattress pickup services
For those who want a convenient option, companies like Garbage Gurus provide curbside pickup, heavy lifting, and responsible recycling.
How to recycle a mattress in Massachusetts
Since the 2022 waste ban, mattress recycling has become the go-to solution.
- Statewide mandate: Every city and town must provide residents with a way to recycle mattresses, either through local drop-offs or contracted services.
- Recycling process: Recycling facilities, like Raw Recycling Works in Gardner, MA, deconstruct mattresses into wood, foam, cotton, and steel for reuse.
- Local access: Many municipalities have partnered with regional recycling programs, but residents often have to transport the mattress themselves.
If you don’t have the means to haul a bulky mattress to a recycling center, scheduling a mattress pickup through a junk removal service is often the easiest solution.
Mattress donation options
If your mattress is still in excellent condition, donation can give it a second life.
- Organizations that may accept mattresses: Some Habitat for Humanity ReStores, local shelters, and furniture banks accept clean, gently used mattresses.
- Limitations: Many charities no longer take mattresses due to bed bug risks and sanitary regulations. Always confirm before hauling your mattress over.
Why mattress removal services make sense
While recycling and donation are great in theory, the reality is that most people struggle with the logistics of mattress disposal. That’s where professional junk removal comes in.
Benefits of using a mattress removal service like Garbage Gurus include:
- No heavy lifting, crews handle pickup from your home or curb.
- Same-day or scheduled service at your convenience.
- Guaranteed recycling or proper disposal, in compliance with state law.
- Peace of mind knowing you won’t face fines or improper dumping issues.
Mattress disposal near me: Worcester County solutions
Residents in Worcester County, MA, have a few municipal options for mattress disposal. Many towns offer transfer stations or limited bulk item pickup, but most require residents to load the mattress themselves and pay a recycling fee.
For homeowners without a truck or landlords dealing with multiple units, this can be a hassle. That’s why searching for “mattress disposal near me” often leads residents to professional junk removal services.
Mattress pickup with Garbage Gurus
Garbage Gurus makes mattress disposal simple. Here’s how it works:
Schedule a pickup
Contact us online or via phone.
Professional removal
A trained crew arrives to handle all the heavy lifting
Responsible disposal
Mattresses are recycled whenever possible, in line with Massachusetts law.
Types of mattresses we accept include:
- Twin, full, queen, king, and California king
- Box springs
- Futons and sofa beds
- Foam and hybrid mattresses
Whether you’re a homeowner replacing an old mattress, a renter moving out, or a landlord clearing a unit, Garbage Gurus offers a quick, affordable solution.
Frequently asked questions
Can I leave my mattress on the curb?
Not usually. Most Massachusetts towns no longer accept mattresses with regular trash pickup, and leaving one on the curb can lead to fines.
How much does mattress disposal cost?
Costs vary depending on your location and disposal method. Municipal drop-offs often charge a $20–$40 recycling fee per mattress. Professional removal services typically cost more but save you the effort and ensure compliance.
Can all mattresses be recycled?
Nearly all mattresses can be recycled, though those heavily infested with pests or soaked in liquids may not be accepted.
Do landlords have to pay for tenant mattress disposal?
In Massachusetts, landlords are generally responsible for clearing abandoned property, including old mattresses. Many use junk removal services to handle the process quickly between tenants.
Final thoughts
Mattress disposal doesn’t have to be stressful. With Massachusetts’ landfill ban in place, recycling is now the standard, and the good news is, most mattresses can be repurposed into valuable new materials.
Whether you choose to recycle, donate, or schedule a pickup, the important thing is making sure your old mattress is disposed of properly. For homeowners, renters, and landlords across Worcester County, Garbage Gurus offers a reliable, eco-friendly mattress removal service that takes the hassle off your hands.
Ready to get started? Contact Garbage Gurus today for fast and affordable mattress pickup near you.