Donate a Mattress? [2026 Guide]

Sometimes. The Salvation Army accepts mattresses and box springs in good condition, but policies vary by local chapter. Some chapters have stopped accepting mattresses entirely due to bed bug and sanitation concerns.

Before donating to Salvation Army:

• •Call your local Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center first — do not just show up
• •The mattress and box spring must be clean with no stains, rips, odors, or sagging
• •Some locations require mattresses to be less than 8–10 years old
• •Free pickup is available in many metro areas but may take 1–2 weeks to schedule
• •King-size mattresses are harder to donate — fewer charities have trucks large enough to transport them

If your local Salvation Army does not accept mattresses, ask if they can refer you to another organization in the area that does.

Most Goodwill locations do not accept mattresses or box springs. This is one of the most commonly rejected donation items across all Goodwill stores nationwide.

The reason: health codes in most states prohibit the resale of used mattresses unless they have been fully sanitized by a licensed facility. Since Goodwill sells items as-is, they cannot guarantee sanitization and therefore refuse them.

Exceptions exist for mattresses still in original sealed plastic wrap or in like-new condition at select locations. Always call your specific Goodwill store before loading a mattress into your car.

Furniture banks are nonprofits that collect donated furniture and distribute it free to families transitioning out of homelessness, escaping domestic violence, or starting over after a crisis. Over 80 furniture banks operate across the US through the Furniture Bank Association of North America.

Most furniture banks accept mattresses and box springs in good condition because bedding is one of their most-requested items. Families receiving furniture bank services often need a complete bed setup.

How to find a furniture bank near you:

• •Search the Furniture Bank Association directory at furniturebanknetwork.org
• •Search "[your city] furniture bank" on Google
• •Call your local 211 helpline — they maintain directories of furniture assistance programs

Furniture banks tend to be more flexible about mattress condition than national chains like Salvation Army, but they still will not accept mattresses with bed bug history, heavy stains, or structural damage.

Before scheduling a ReStore visit, check whether Habitat for Humanity takes mattresses and obtain local acceptance.

Every charity has the same basic requirements for mattress donations. Your mattress and box spring must meet all of these criteria:

• •No visible stains (including small ones — charities inspect carefully)
• •No rips, tears, or holes in the fabric
• •No sagging deeper than 1.5 inches
• •No odors (smoke, pet, mildew, or any other smell)
• •No bed bug history — even if treated, most charities will refuse
• •Structurally sound — springs intact, no broken slats in the box spring
• •Reasonably clean — no pet hair buildup, dust mite accumulation, or debris

If your mattress fails any of these criteria, donation is not an option. You will need to dispose of it through city bulk pickup (free, 2–8 week wait), recycling, or junk removal (from $89 through Dropcurb for same-day curbside pickup).

Yes. Most charities accept mattresses and box springs separately. You do not need to donate them as a set. However, Salvation Army locations in some areas prefer matching sets because they are easier to distribute to families who need a complete bed.

Conversely, donating a box spring without a mattress can be harder. Several Reddit users report that Salvation Army refused their box spring donation because it did not come with a matching mattress. If you only have a box spring to donate, try furniture banks or local shelters first — they tend to be more flexible about accepting individual pieces.

If your mattress is too worn, stained, or damaged for donation, you still have several disposal options:

• •City bulk pickup: Free in most cities. Schedule online and place at curb on the designated day. Wait is 2–8 weeks.
• •Mattress recycling: Free in California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island through the Bye Bye Mattress program. Other states charge $10–$30 at recycling centers.
• •Dropcurb curbside removal: from $89 (twin) to $104 (king), with same-day pickup. Any condition accepted. Book online in 60 seconds.
• •Landfill self-haul: $20–$50 in tipping fees if you have a truck.

Do not leave mattresses on the curb without scheduling a pickup — fines range from $50–$500 in most cities.