Finding out where to donate a mattress is the first step to freeing up space for your new bed. Most people getting rid of their old mattresses just toss it out with the trash or recycling, not thinking that someone in need would want it.
Removing a mattress from your home is hard enough and there are strict guidelines to throwing them away in most municipalities. Donating is not just a good thing to do – it’s even easier in most places.
There are only a few places that take old mattresses, though, and it may have to be in pretty good condition. We wanted to create a guide for Helix customers to donate their old mattresses when they’re in the market for a new one.
Try one of these ways to donate or gift your mattress:
- AMVETS Thrift Stores
- Furniture Bank Association of North America
- Some Goodwill locations
- Habitat for Humanity
- The Arc
- The Salvation Army
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- Craigslist
- Local shelters and non-profits
- Friends and family
Who Needs Your Mattress Donation?
Unfortunately, many people can’t afford a new mattress when they need one. Nearly 20 percent of people in the United States who own homes carry furniture-related debt, and many of these people aren’t willing to take on more once the couch and dining table are taken care of.
A used mattress can also provide people living in poverty with a safe place to sleep. Many nonprofit organizations have drop-off donation stations or even mattress removal services to help get beds to people who need them. You may find that local charities even offer free pick-up to deter folks from leaving usable beds in the dumpster.
Do Charities Take Care of Mattress Recycling?
Some charities opt to recycle mattresses that they can’t donate to those in need. But not all have the capabilities for recycling or even storing beds. If your bed is in good condition, charities like homeless shelters or thrift stores may accept it. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Furniture Banks of North America take mattresses, too.
But if you need mattress removal because of issues that make the mattress unusable—like bed bugs—then a charitable organization will not accept it. There are pick-up services like Earth 911 and Bye-Bye Mattress that dispose of mattresses via recycling centers.
Does the Salvation Army Take Mattress Donations?
While the answer may be ‘no’ at your local site, the Salvation Army truck picks up all kinds of household donations—including mattresses.
The Salvation Army’s Donation Value Guide also lists average donation values for different mattress sizes and types of mattresses, from queen and full to crib-size. Donating to The Salvation Army typically requires that your bed is in good condition—and you’ll need to call them to arrange pick-up.
Can You Donate Mattresses to Goodwill?
It depends where you live (or donate). At Goodwill of Silicon Valley, for example, you can drop off beds to recycle.
But mattress donations to Goodwill typically result in mattress disposal to landfills—and some locations, like Goodwill of San Francisco—won’t accept beds at all. Even donated mattresses in good shape—including newer foam mattress models—can’t go into Goodwill stores. It’s best to call in advance!
Does Habitat for Humanity Take Mattresses?
Habitat for Humanity is another organization that may accept mattress donations. Habitat for Humanity operates across the world and helps families obtain affordable housing. Their programs include building and improving residences, providing affordable furniture and other household items, and partnering with communities to improve social outcomes.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores exist in many communities with people in need. Your mattress donation could impact the lives of people in your area, as ReStores sell items at low cost. ReStores stock everything from building materials like doors and windows to furniture and other items. You often need to deliver your items to ReStores—but contact your local site for details.
What Other National Organizations Accept Mattresses?
Other organizations such as Vietnam Veterans of America and AMVETS Thrift Stores accept donations in honor of United States veterans. AMVETS Thrift Stores offer pick-up service in many areas, making it easy to set up a donation to them. Donations directly benefit US veterans, and contributions are also tax-deductible.
Vietnam Veterans of America also accepts mattress donations at locations across the US. You can schedule a pick-up in many areas or find a place to drop off your mattress and other household items.
Local Places to List Mattress Donations
If no local organization or non-profit will accept your mattress gift, consider an alternative. Even small communities participate in online forums like Craigslist and Facebook. On Craigslist, you can list items for sale or for free and wait for potential buyers to respond.
Craigslist has very loose policies on what types of items you can list, but you should also be cautious of inviting people to your home or neighborhood to pick up what you’re giving away.
Facebook groups or sales forums are another way to list unwanted mattresses you’re giving away. Such platforms can also make it easier to spot potential dangers or scams since each member must have a profile.
Where Can I Donate an Old Box Spring?
With many people switching to memory foam and other mattresses that don’t need a box spring, it’s common for charities and other organizations to accept box springs, too. However, you need to ensure that the charity you choose has the space and resources to handle box springs as well as mattresses.
Places that may take box springs (and mattresses) in your area include:
- AMVETS Thrift Stores (many areas have pick-up service)
- Furniture Banks of North America
- Habitat for Humanity (many areas have ReStore locations that accept furniture)
- The Arc (local chapters)
- The Salvation Army
- Vietnam Veterans of America
When it comes to where to donate a mattress, you likely want to be able to drop off (or order pick-up) both your box spring and mattress. Call ahead to ensure the organization or charity you choose can handle both.
Also consider whether you can gift your unused beds to friends and family. You can also list these items on services like Craigslist or Facebook. Many Facebook groups allow members to post and sell household items, so a free listing may interest some of your neighbors or other community members.
Plus, anyone who wants the free bed will need to pick it up themselves. This way, you don’t need to worry about transporting the items.
Where Can I Donate Old Beds and Bed Frames?
Whether you want to donate an entire bed, frame, and box spring setup or you have other household items to give away, many local organizations are happy to take things off your hands. Local thrift stores tend to accept household goods, and many will take bed frames and beds.
In your area, reach out to find out if organizations such as the following will accept your donations:
- Community thrift stores
- Domestic violence organizations and shelters
- Furniture stores (may have recycling programs or community connections)
- Homeless shelters and programs
- Pregnancy help centers
- Women’s shelters
If you’re giving away assorted other household items such as small furniture, clothing, toys, and appliances, you may even earn credit at your local thrift store. Other organizations can also offer tax-deductible donations, so ask about those when dropping off items or scheduling pick-up.
Making Room for a New Mattress?
If you’re looking to get rid of an old mattress set, you might be ready to explore what new mattresses are on the market. After all, a new bed can improve your sleep quality, reduce allergy episodes, and lessen back and other pain.
Take our sleep quiz to learn what mattress types are right for your sleep style, body type and comfort preferences.
