- mattress
- recycling
- disposal
- moving
New mattress, old problem. Once the new one arrives, you are left with a big, floppy, awkward rectangle that will not fit in your trash can and does not want to fit in your car either. Mattresses are one of the most common items people ask us about, and for good reason. There are several ways to get rid of one in Utah, and the best option depends on the mattress's condition, your timeline, and how much effort you want to put in.
Why mattresses are tricky
Mattresses are bulky, heavy for their shape, and hard to grip. A king-size mattress is awkward even for two people, and stairs make it worse. They also take up a lot of space in landfills, which is why recycling is a better option when it is available.
Most regular curbside trash services will not take a mattress in your normal can. That leaves a few other paths.
Option 1: Retailer take-back
Many mattress retailers and online brands offer to remove your old mattress when they deliver a new one. Sometimes this is included, and sometimes it costs extra. Some require you to request it at checkout.
If you are buying a new mattress, ask about haul-away before you finalize the purchase. It is often the most convenient option because the old mattress leaves the same day the new one arrives. Note that bed-in-a-box deliveries usually do not include haul-away because they are shipped by parcel carriers.
Option 2: City and county bulk waste programs
Get My Free Quote — ask about pickup from inside your home.
Some cities in Salt Lake County and Utah County run bulk waste or neighborhood cleanup programs with specific schedules and rules. These programs may accept mattresses, though some have restrictions. Programs, schedules, and rules vary by city and can change from year to year, so check your city's website for current details.
Bulk programs can be a good choice if your timing lines up with the schedule. If you need the mattress gone sooner, or if you live in an apartment where curbside programs do not apply, another option may work better.
Option 3: Landfill or transfer station drop-off
You can take a mattress to a landfill or transfer station yourself. Fees and rules vary by facility. You will need a truck or trailer and a way to secure the mattress for the drive. Check the facility's website before you go.
Option 4: Mattress recycling
Mattresses are made of materials that can often be separated and recycled: steel springs, foam, wood frames from box springs, and fabric. Recycling keeps a lot of material out of the landfill.
Mattress recycling availability in Utah can be limited and may change over time. If you want to recycle, search for current options in your area and confirm what they accept and whether there is a fee. When we pick up mattresses, we use local mattress recycling options when they are available.
Option 5: Donation (usually limited)
Donating a used mattress is harder than donating other furniture. Many donation centers do not accept used mattresses at all because of health, safety, and hygiene concerns. Some organizations might accept mattresses that are like-new, clean, and free of stains or damage, but this is the exception.
If your mattress is nearly new, contact local organizations directly to ask. Do not drop off a mattress at a donation center without confirming first.
Mattresses with stains, tears, sagging, or any sign of pests should not be donated.
Option 6: Professional mattress removal
A mattress removal service carries the mattress out of your home and hauls it away. This is often the simplest option when:
- You do not have a truck.
- The mattress is upstairs or in a basement.
- You need it gone by a certain date, like before a move or a delivery.
- You have several mattresses, frames, or box springs.
- You want it recycled when possible without coordinating it yourself.
We give an upfront quote before any work begins. Pricing depends on the number and size of mattresses and how hard they are to reach. Adding a mattress to a larger furniture removal job is often efficient.
How to prepare a mattress for removal
- Strip the bedding. Remove sheets, pads, and pillows.
- Bag it if needed. A mattress bag keeps things clean during the carry, especially through shared hallways. We can also bag it.
- Mention pests honestly. If you suspect bed bugs, tell the removal crew in advance so they can plan appropriately. Do not try to donate or sell an infested mattress.
- Clear the path. Move furniture away from doorways and halls.
- Plan for frames. If the bed frame or headboard is going too, take it apart if you can, or let the crew know.
Moving season and student housing
In college towns like Provo and Orem, the end of a semester often means a wave of abandoned mattresses near apartment dumpsters. If you are a student, plan ahead for your mattress before you leave. If you are a property manager, our property management cleanouts can help clear leftover mattresses from units and common areas after you confirm you have authority to dispose of them.
In apartment-heavy areas like Vineyard, Midvale, and Taylorsville, check whether your building has rules about large-item disposal or elevator reservations.
Things to avoid
- Do not leave it by the dumpster. Many apartment complexes and cities treat this as illegal dumping, and it often results in fees for the property.
- Do not leave it on the curb unless your city's bulk program specifically allows it on that day.
- Do not burn or cut it apart yourself. Mattresses contain materials that are not safe to burn, and springs can be dangerous.
Timing
If your new mattress is being delivered on a specific date, schedule your old mattress pickup around it. Same-day and next-day pickups are sometimes possible, but scheduling is always subject to availability. Booking a few days ahead gives you the best chance of getting the time you want.
The bottom line
The best way to get rid of an old mattress in Utah depends on your situation. Ask your retailer about take-back, check your city's bulk program, and look for recycling options when they exist. Donation is usually limited to like-new mattresses. If you want it gone without the hassle, request a quote below. We will carry it out, recycle it when possible, and confirm the price before any work begins.