How to Get Rid of an Old Mattress (2026 Guide)
How to Get Rid of an Old Mattress (2026 Guide)
An old mattress is one of the most awkward things to get rid of — too big for a regular trash can, too heavy to carry alone down a hallway or stairs, and most curbside programs either reject it outright or require special scheduling and plastic wrapping. Here’s every real option for getting rid of a mattress in Redding, what each one actually costs, and when it makes sense to just call a junk removal crew.
Option 1: Donate It (If It’s Still in Decent Shape)
Some local charities and shelters accept mattresses in good condition — clean, no stains, no tears, no bedbug history. Call ahead before dropping one off, since many locations have restrictions on mattress donations for hygiene reasons and space is often limited. This is the best option if the mattress just doesn’t fit your needs anymore rather than being worn out.
Option 2: City Bulk Pickup or Curbside Programs
Some Shasta County waste haulers will take a mattress on a scheduled bulk pickup day, but almost always require it to be wrapped in plastic first, and many charge an extra fee on top of your regular service. Scheduling can also take a couple of weeks, which doesn’t help if you need the space cleared now. Check with your specific hauler before assuming this option is free or fast.
Option 3: Mattress Recycling
Mattresses are largely recyclable — the steel springs, foam, and fabric can all be separated and processed — but not every hauler routes them to a recycling facility by default. If keeping your old mattress out of the landfill matters to you, it’s worth asking directly whether recycling is included.
Option 4: Call a Junk Removal Crew
For most people, this ends up being the simplest option — no wrapping it in plastic yourself, no waiting weeks for a scheduled pickup, no hauling it down stairs alone. A crew shows up, carries it out, and takes care of responsible disposal or recycling, often the same day you call. If you’re clearing out a bedroom as part of a bigger job, bundling the mattress with other furniture removal is usually more cost-effective than a separate trip.
What About Bed Bugs or Stains?
A mattress with a known bed bug history should be wrapped and clearly marked before it leaves your home, regardless of which disposal method you choose — this protects everyone who handles it afterward. Stained or heavily worn mattresses generally can’t be donated, but they can still be recycled or hauled away with a standard mattress removal pickup.