Old mattresses and box springs can be difficult to dispose of because they are large, bulky and made from several different materials. Depending on where you live in Northern California or Nevada, your options may include mattress recycling, bulky-item pickup, transfer-station drop-off, landfill disposal or reuse and donation.
The best disposal method depends on the condition of the mattress, your location and the services available in your community.
The historical WM Northern California/Nevada resource recommended donation, bulk-waste pickup and approved disposal facilities as primary ways to manage unwanted mattresses and box springs.
Can Mattresses and Box Springs Be Recycled?
Yes. Many mattresses and box springs contain materials that can be separated and recovered instead of sending the entire item to a landfill.
Mattress recycling programs can process components such as:
- Steel springs
- Foam
- Wood
- Fabric and fibers
- Other recoverable materials
California operates a statewide mattress stewardship program overseen by CalRecycle and administered by the Mattress Recycling Council. The program is designed to increase reuse and recycling of used mattresses, box springs and futons while reducing disposal and illegal dumping.
Where mattress recycling is available, it is generally preferable to ordinary disposal because recoverable components can remain in use rather than becoming landfill waste.
How to Get Rid of an Old Mattress or Box Spring
There is no single disposal option that works for every household or community. Consider the following methods before deciding where to take an unwanted mattress.
1. Recycle Your Mattress
Recycling should be one of the first options to check when an appropriate program or facility is available.
In California, the Mattress Recycling Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program provides collection and recycling options for qualifying mattresses and foundations discarded by California residents and businesses. Its current guidance states that qualifying used mattresses and foundations can be dropped off at participating locations without a recycling charge.
Use a current mattress-recycling locator before traveling because participating locations, quantity limits and operating requirements can change.
2. Schedule a Bulky-Item Pickup
A mattress or box spring is generally too large to place inside a standard residential trash cart.
Many local waste programs offer scheduled bulky-item collection for oversized household items.
WM currently identifies mattresses and box springs among common bulky household items, although acceptance, scheduling and charges vary by service area.
Before placing a mattress at the curb, confirm:
- Whether advance scheduling is required
- Where the mattress should be placed
- How many bulky items are allowed
- Whether a fee applies
- Whether the mattress must be wrapped or prepared
- Which collection day applies to your address
Do not leave a mattress beside your regular trash cart unless your local collection program specifically instructs you to do so.
3. Donate or Reuse a Mattress in Good Condition
If the mattress is clean and still usable, reuse may be possible before recycling or disposal.
The archived Northern California/Nevada page suggested contacting charities, nonprofit organizations, shelters and similar organizations to determine whether they accept gently used mattresses or box springs.
Acceptance policies vary significantly. Some organizations do not accept used mattresses because of sanitation, storage or transportation requirements.
Always contact an organization before transporting a mattress for donation.
A mattress that is heavily damaged, wet, contaminated or otherwise unsuitable for reuse should instead be directed to an appropriate recycling or disposal option.
4. Use a Transfer Station or Approved Drop-Off Facility
Transfer stations and waste drop-off facilities may accept mattresses and other bulky household items.
However, not every transfer station accepts mattresses, and a facility that accepted them historically may have different requirements today.
Before visiting:
- Confirm that mattresses or box springs are currently accepted.
- Check the facility address and operating hours.
- Ask whether there is a per-item charge.
- Confirm quantity limits.
- Ask about damaged, wet or contaminated mattresses.
- Secure the mattress properly during transportation.
5. Landfill Disposal
When reuse, recycling or bulky-item collection is unavailable, an approved landfill or disposal facility may be an option.
The archived page included landfill disposal as one method for mattresses and box springs when local pickup was unavailable.
Because mattress recycling programs have expanded in California, residents should check recycling options before choosing landfill disposal.
Mattress Recycling in California
California has a dedicated system for end-of-life mattress management.
The state’s Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act created a stewardship framework intended to increase mattress recycling, reduce illegal dumping and reduce the costs associated with managing discarded mattresses. CalRecycle oversees the program, while the Mattress Recycling Council administers it.
The program covers qualifying used:
- Mattresses
- Box springs and foundations
- Futon mattresses meeting program requirements
California residents should search for a participating collection location rather than assuming that the nearest landfill or transfer station is the best option.
Free Mattress Drop-Off in California
Some California facilities provide no-cost mattress recycling under applicable programs and local rules.
For example, WM currently states that Alameda County residents and businesses can bring up to five mattresses or box springs per day to the Davis Street Resource Recovery Complex in San Leandro for free, with a per-item charge applying beyond the first five.
Current facility information should always be checked before visiting because limits, hours and eligibility can change.
Mattress Disposal in Northern Nevada
Mattress and box-spring disposal in Northern Nevada is more dependent on the individual community, waste provider and facility.
Options may include:
- Scheduled bulky-item collection
- Transfer-station disposal
- Landfill disposal
- Private recycling services
- Local collection events
For example, current WM information for Lyon County lists a mattress or box spring among acceptable bulky items under its local collection program, demonstrating why service-area-specific guidance is important.
Residents of Reno, Sparks, Washoe County, Fernley, Incline Village, Lyon County and surrounding areas should confirm the disposal option available for their specific address.
Previously Listed Mattress & Box Spring Facilities
The archived version of this page identified a network of Northern California and Nevada facilities that historically accepted mattresses and box springs.
These facility entities are preserved below for historical and regional reference.
Important: Inclusion in this historical directory does not confirm that a facility currently accepts mattresses or box springs. Facility services, addresses, fees and acceptance rules can change. Verify current information before visiting.
Bay Area
Altamont Landfill
Livermore, California
The archived page identified Altamont Landfill as a mattress and box-spring disposal location serving the Bay Area.
Davis Street Transfer Station & Resource Recovery Complex
San Leandro, California
Davis Street appeared in the historical facility directory and continues to offer mattress recycling. Current WM information provides free drop-off for up to five mattresses or box springs per day for eligible Alameda County residents and businesses.
Guadalupe Recycling & Disposal Facility
San Jose, California
This facility was historically listed as a mattress and box-spring disposal resource for the Bay Area.
Kirby Canyon Recycling & Disposal Facility
Morgan Hill, California
Kirby Canyon was also included among the Bay Area facilities on the archived mattress-disposal page.
Sacramento Valley
Sacramento Recycling & Transfer Station
Sacramento, California
The historical page listed Sacramento Recycling and Transfer Station as a mattress and box-spring disposal location serving the Sacramento Valley.
Shasta Cascades & Northern California
Anderson Landfill
Anderson, California
Anderson Landfill appeared in the archived directory as a mattress and box-spring disposal facility in the Shasta Cascades region.
Burney Transfer Station
Burney, California
The historical page also listed Burney Transfer Station.
Alturas Disposal Transfer Station
Alturas, California
Alturas Disposal Transfer Station was another historically listed mattress-disposal location in Northern California.
Cal Sierra
Cal Sierra Transfer Station
Sonora, California
Cal Sierra Transfer Station was included in the archived page’s list of facilities associated with mattress and box-spring disposal.
San Joaquin Valley
Lodi Recycling Recovery & Transfer Station
Lodi, California
The archived directory listed the Lodi Recycling Recovery and Transfer Station as a mattress and box-spring disposal location.
North Valley
Ord Ranch Road Transfer Station
Gridley, California
Ord Ranch Road Transfer Station was included among the Northern California facilities on the historical mattress and box-spring page.
Northern Nevada
The historical page connected mattress and box-spring disposal with several Northern Nevada facilities. These facility relationships are valuable to preserve, but current acceptance should be confirmed individually.
Lockwood Regional Landfill
Sparks, Nevada
Lockwood Landfill was historically listed as a mattress and box-spring disposal option serving Northern Nevada.
Fernley Transfer Station
Fernley, Nevada
Fernley Transfer Station also appeared in the historical mattress-disposal directory.
Because facility information can change, users should check the current Fernley facility page before transporting a mattress.
Incline Village Transfer Station
Incline Village, Nevada
The archived page listed Incline Village Transfer Station among Northern Nevada mattress and box-spring facilities.
Sage Street Transfer Station
Reno, Nevada
Sage Street Transfer Station at the Commercial Row facility in Reno was another Northern Nevada location included in the historical mattress-disposal directory.
Acceptance requirements should be verified before bringing mattresses or box springs to the facility.
How to Prepare a Mattress for Disposal
Preparation requirements depend on the collection program or facility, but several basic steps can help.
Keep the Mattress Dry
Avoid leaving an unwanted mattress exposed to rain or snow before recycling or collection.
Water damage can make mattresses heavier, harder to handle and unsuitable for some recycling or reuse programs.
Remove Bedding
Remove:
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Mattress protectors
- Pillows
- Loose bedding
These materials may require separate reuse, textile-recycling or disposal options.
Do Not Place Other Trash on the Mattress
Keep household garbage, construction debris and loose materials separate unless your facility specifically instructs otherwise.
Check Whether Wrapping Is Required
Some local programs may require mattresses to be wrapped or bagged before curbside pickup.
Follow your local service provider’s instructions rather than assuming the same rule applies everywhere.
Secure Mattresses During Transport
If transporting a mattress or box spring to a drop-off facility, secure the load properly so the item cannot shift, fall or blow from the vehicle.
What About Damaged or Contaminated Mattresses?
A mattress does not necessarily need to be usable for recycling.
California’s Bye Bye Mattress guidance indicates that the condition or purchase date of a qualifying mattress generally does not determine eligibility for its normal collection program. However, specific exclusions and handling requirements can still apply.
Examples that may require special attention include mattresses that are:
- Extremely wet
- Heavily soiled
- Infested
- Contaminated with hazardous substances
- Severely damaged
- Mixed with other waste
Contact the receiving facility if you are unsure whether your mattress qualifies.
Mattress & Box Spring Disposal FAQs
Can I put a mattress in my regular trash?
Usually, a mattress should not simply be placed inside or beside a normal residential trash cart without checking local rules. Mattresses are commonly managed through bulky-item collection, recycling or approved drop-off facilities. WM currently categorizes mattresses and box springs among common bulky household items.
Can a box spring be recycled?
Yes. Box springs and mattress foundations may qualify for mattress-recycling programs. California’s mattress stewardship program specifically addresses mattresses and foundations.
Where can I recycle a mattress in California?
California residents can use the Mattress Recycling Council’s collection network to find participating mattress-recycling locations. The state’s program is overseen by CalRecycle.
Is mattress recycling free in California?
Qualifying mattresses and foundations discarded by California consumers can be eligible for no-cost drop-off through participating Mattress Recycling Council locations. Individual sites can have quantity or other operational limits.
Does WM pick up mattresses?
Mattresses and box springs are among the common bulky items handled by WM services, but actual pickup availability, pricing and procedures depend on the customer’s location.
Can I take a mattress to a transfer station?
Some transfer stations accept mattresses, but acceptance is facility-specific. Confirm the material type, current hours, quantities and fees before visiting.
Where can I dispose of a mattress in Reno?
Historically, Northern Nevada mattress-disposal resources on this site included Sage Street Transfer Station in Reno and Lockwood Landfill near Sparks, along with facilities in Fernley and Incline Village.
Current acceptance should be verified before transporting a mattress.
Can I donate an old mattress?
Possibly, if the mattress is clean and in usable condition and the organization accepts used bedding.
Always contact the organization first because donation policies vary.
Should I recycle a mattress instead of sending it to a landfill?
Where an appropriate mattress-recycling program is available, recycling provides an opportunity to recover materials such as metal, foam, wood and fibers rather than disposing of the complete mattress as solid waste. California’s stewardship program was specifically created to increase recovery and recycling of used mattresses.
Find the Right Mattress Disposal Option
The best way to dispose of an unwanted mattress or box spring depends on where you live, the condition of the item and the services available in your community.
Start by checking for mattress recycling. If recycling is unavailable, consider scheduled bulky-item collection or an approved transfer station or disposal facility.
Residents in California can explore the state’s mattress-recycling network, while residents in Northern Nevada should review their local bulky-item and facility options.
Before transporting any mattress or box spring, confirm current acceptance, operating hours, quantity limits and fees with the receiving facility.
Explore Related Resources
[Accepted Materials] · [Bulky Items] · [Recycling Centers] · [Transfer Stations] · [Landfills] · [Northern Nevada Waste & Recycling Services]