Mattresses and Box Springs

Alternative ways to recycle
Donate or Sell if Usable Special Management Instructions Landfill, Transfer Station, or Curbside Collection

Donate Your Mattress

For more helpful recycling and reuse tips, read “5 Ways to Donate Your Mattress” by AmeriSleep or look for local donation locations using the NYS Reuse Locator Tool. Be sure to confirm the donation location will accept mattress prior to bringing it over for donation.

Mattress Recycling

Some regions of the State collect worn out mattresses and box springs and send them to specialty processors who recover the metal, wood, fabric, and foam for recycling. Two mattress recyclers in New York State include:

Mattress retailers may also offer to take back old mattresses and box springs upon the purchase of new ones. If recycling options are not locally available, take these items to a landfill or transfer station, or place them out by the curb if local pick-up is offered in your community.

Don't Just Dump Them

Never dump mattresses on the side of the road. Drop them off at a landfill, or dispose of them through a mattress recycling program. It’s expensive for public agencies to pick up illegally dumped mattresses.

Alternative Ways to Recycle

Check Earth 911

Check Earth 911 to find mattress recycling locations near you! Simply enter the term “mattresses” and your zip code. The nearest mattress recycling center will pop up. 

Ways to Reduce

Clean Your Mattress

If you invest in keeping your mattress in good condition, you’re more likely to hold onto it long term or find a new home for it when you’re ready for a new one. Follow these tips to remove dust, stains and deodorize your mattress.

Flip or Rotate Your Mattress

Flipping or rotating your mattress can extend its life and give you a more comfortable sleep experience. Not every mattress can be flipped, but every mattress can be rotated. Learn more from Healthline.

Ways to Reuse

Sell or Give Away

Listing a mattress on Craigslist or Freecycle can save you a trip to the landfill. Old, bulky items can otherwise be difficult or pricy to transport.

Did You Know?

How Mattresses Are Recycled

Fillet the Mattress to Recycle It

St. Vincent de Paul employs workers to fillet or cut apart mattresses using a box cutter. These workers recycle approximately 170,000 mattresses per year. Compared to other mattress parts, material from “T” frame steel box springs is generally sold for the most money and lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Polyurethane from used mattresses is often recycled into wall foaming.