Mattress donations may be accepted by local charities and non-profits, although their acceptance depends on regulatory and storage-space considerations. Larger charity networks tend to impose stricter policies regarding accepting mattresses for donation purposes.
Goodwill operates thrift stores and community programs that accept donations of mattresses; however, some Goodwill locations have strict criteria regarding the types of mattresses they accept for donation.
Donation to a Local Charity or Homeless Shelter
Mattresses that are still in reasonably good condition can be donated to charities or homeless shelters for reuse. For instance, The Salvation Army operates a network of stores which will collect mattresses within 15-20 miles from homes around their location.
Habitat for Humanity is another charity that accepts used mattresses. Their mission is to help provide affordable housing solutions worldwide and they operate a thrift store chain called ReStore that sells items like mattresses with proceeds going toward building or home renovation projects; each ReStore location may accept different items; please inquire before dropping it off at their store location.
There are also online marketplaces that enable you to place an ad for a used mattress and find someone searching for it nearby – similar to freecycling but with more structure. Furthermore, check with local animal shelters as large dog beds may be difficult and expensive to purchase.
Donation to a Furniture Bank
Mattresses are among the largest pieces of furniture you can donate to charity, yet some charities may be wary of accepting used ones due to bed bug concerns. If this is an issue for you, mattress recycling options offer safe disposal solutions for old mattresses.
The Furniture Bank Network, an alliance of charities and nonprofits, accepts donations of gently used furniture – including mattresses – in exchange for which these donations are distributed among less fortunate individuals and families who need affordable furniture to begin new lives. Many locations provide free pick up services while many also provide donation forms online.
If you don’t have time to search for an organization willing to accept your mattress, try posting it for free ad sites such as Craigslist or Letgo. By listing items here for free sale directly through them, those in need of them can reach out directly – this makes the option ideal if time constraints or other commitments prevent traditional donations.
Donation to a Trash Collection Service
Wherever you live, your municipality likely hosts a special trash day for larger items like mattresses. To properly dispose of it, this pickup service usually requires wrapping it with plastic and taping it up before dropping it off at its destination. Check your city website to learn the rules and regulations regarding its disposal.
Local thrift stores will accept donated mattresses if they are structurally sound and free from pest infestation. Any significant rips, tears or holes must also be present and should not obstruct sleep quality.
Mattresses can be reused in various creative ways. From dog beds, art projects and home decor items to even base layers for garden sheds – old mattresses are versatile items that can be reused. There are even online resources dedicated to helping find charities who will accept your donation; in some cases they even arrange pick up!
Donation to a Landfill
Mattresses are one of the top items thrown out, posing a potential threat to the environment if not disposed of correctly. Luckily, there are various options for recycling or disposing of old mattresses such as donating it to charity organizations, recycling at local recycling centers or calling a junk removal service to haul it away.
Local facilities that regularly house people may also accept old mattresses for donation, including hotels and universities as well as organizations that house homeless individuals or families in transition.
Many cities provide recycling programs for mattresses and box springs, including New York City (where the process can be more involved). Mattresses must be sealed in plastic for pickup on scheduled trash collection days to reduce bed bug spread; this measure aims to curb bed bug outbreaks a major problem currently plaguing NYC. For more information, visit their website or reach out directly to their Department of Sanitation.
