Do homeless shelters take mattresses? Check acceptance first

Contact the shelter or housing organization directly and ask whether it currently accepts mattresses, which sizes it needs, and whether your mattress condition qualifies. Confirm where and when it can be received before transporting it.

In New York City, municipal mattress collection is separate from donation: residential mattresses and box springs must be sealed in plastic for collection. Check the city’s current instructions before setting one out.

Sources: Home of the Sparrow donation FAQ; NYC DSNY furniture mattress and rug rules.

Do not leave the mattress at a shelter without approval. Use a confirmed municipal route or arrange paid disposal. For Dropcurb, select the applicable current catalog item; a Queen Mattress means the mattress only, while a frame or box spring is separate.

Sources: Home of the Sparrow donation FAQ; NYC DSNY furniture mattress and rug rules; Dropcurb current pricing and standard pickup scope.

If an accepted mattress is already outside and accessible, Dropcurb handles loading, transportation and disposal. Standard pickup does not include indoor carry-out, so move the mattress outside before pickup; you can book before doing that, but it must be ready and accessible when the pickup occurs. If you need indoor carrying, choose a service that includes that labor.

Sources: Dropcurb current pricing and standard pickup scope.