Resource Guide: Mattresses

The Mattress Recycling Council estimates 15-20 million mattresses are discarded every year; it is estimated that up to 75% of a mattress can be recycled. Replacing an old mattress? Learn more about how to dispose of your mattress or find options for recycling.

Disposal Information

Mattresses are considered a bulky waste item.  Most haulers and communities provide collection of bulky waste items. Check your hauler’s or local government’s solid waste website for details about how to schedule a pickup and any specific instructions for pickup.  There may also be a fee for pickup or restrictions on bed frames or boxsprings.  Check with your mattress retailer to see if they will take back your old mattress when delivering your new mattress.

Recycling Information

Some communities and businesses offer mattress recycling. In addition to recovering the wood and metal, recyclers can recover the foam which can be recycled into products like carpet padding. Here is a list of resources:

  • CHaRM( Atlanta) – Learn more about items accepted, hours of operation, instructions, restrictions, and how to schedule an appointment. Mattresses must be dry and not excessively soiled or bug infested. No crib/baby mattresses, futons or foam toppers. No air mattresses or memory foam mattresses. Must have springs. Open by appointment only. Fee charged.
  • CHaRM DeKalb – Learn more about items accepted, hours of operation, instructions, restrictions, and how to schedule an appointment.  Mattresses must be dry and not excessively soiled or bug infested. No crib/baby mattresses, futons or foam toppers. No air mattresses or memory foam mattresses. Must have springs. Open by appointment only. Fee charged.
  • CHaRM Athens-Clarke County – Accepts mattresses and boxsprings.  Fee charged.  Check website for more details about items accepted and restrictions.
  • Some Furniture Banks may accept mattresses, frames, and box springs (e.g., Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta – Call for more information and current list of items accepted.)
  • Mattress Retailers (check with your mattress retailer to see if the company will take back the old mattress for recycling)
  • Mattress Recycling Council  – Learn more about mattress recycling.
Tools & Resources