Where Can You Donate a Mattress? [Donation Guide]

Have you recently received the brand new mattress you ordered? You probably cannot wait to start lying down and experiencing all the positive reviews other consumers couldn’t stop raving about. Finally, the promise of deep sleep and better mornings looks like a reality.

However, the excitement can be short-lived when you suddenly remember that you’re yet to dispose of the old mattress.

**Where and how to donate an old mattress is one of the most common problems we face as soon as a new one arrives in our homes. Some consumers can become so desperate that they may leave their old models by the dumpster but we’ll not follow suit. **

This is because there are better ways to get rid of these mammoth sleeping surfaces besides abandoning them in unfavorable places.

Quick answer: Mattress-donation rules vary by location, condition, and local resale laws, so call before hauling one anywhere. Habitat for Humanity says mattresses and box springs are generally not accepted by ReStores, and Goodwill says many local organizations do not accept them. A local furniture bank, shelter, mutual-aid group, or direct giveaway may be a better option. The Salvation Army lists clean, unbroken mattresses among commonly donated items, but advises checking your local center first.

Where Can You Donate an Old Mattress?

One of our first instincts when looking for a way to donate an old mattress is to head onto Google and conduct a search. Unfortunately, finding an organization that takes in used mattresses is getting harder by the day.

Here are the most useful places to check. Acceptance is never guaranteed, even within the same national organization.

1. Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity works with local communities to build and repair affordable housing. Its ReStores sell donated home-improvement goods to help fund that work.

Habitat for Humanity's national donation guide says mattresses and box springs are not accepted by ReStores. Because individual stores set some of their own donation criteria, it is still worth checking with your nearest branch before ruling it out.

Use the Habitat ReStore locator to find the closest store and confirm its current policy.

Some ReStores offer pickup for accepted large items, but availability varies by location.

2. Goodwill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xksw300hTjs

Goodwill is a network of local nonprofit organizations, and each one sets its own donation rules. Goodwill's national guidance specifically notes that many locations do not accept mattresses. Some may accept bed frames or other furniture even when they reject mattresses.

Accepted goods may be sold through the organization's retail stores or recycled. The revenue supports local employment and community programs.

Use the Goodwill locator to find the closest donation center, then contact it to confirm both mattress acceptance and pickup availability.

3. Furniture Banks Association of America Mattress Donations

Furniture Bank Network members help people obtain essential household furniture. Some member banks accept clean mattresses, while others accept only new mattresses or none at all.

Search the network for a nearby furniture bank and ask about condition standards, drop-off, and any pickup fee before making plans.

4. Donation Town

Donation Town is a directory rather than a charity. It can help you find organizations that offer donation pickup in your area, but the listed charity makes the final decision about whether it will accept a mattress.

Visit the Donation Town pickup directory, enter your ZIP code, and then confirm accepted items directly with the organization you choose.

5. AMVETS

AMVETS donation services vary by region and operator. Do not assume that a local pickup service will take a mattress: use the contact information for the service in your ZIP code and ask about mattresses, box springs, condition requirements, and pickup before scheduling.

6. Craigslist or Facebook

Are you struggling to find a local charity that accepts mattress donations? You can take matters into your own hands by placing an ad on Craigslist, or sell the mattress instead if you'd rather not give it away for free.

The popular online classifieds site has a section labeled as “Free” where you can list your old mattress. There’s a good chance that somebody in need will make contact and arrange to pick it up from your location.

Besides, there are many Facebook Groups where you can list your old mattress as a freebie. The lucky new owner will most likely be happy to pick it up.

How do you Prepare Your Old Mattress for Donations?

So you’ve decided to donate your mattress and have an idea of where to send it. The next step is to set up your mattress so your donation is accepted. Here are a few steps to take to ensure the end-user gets maximum benefits from the donation.

Vacuum Clean the mattress
Dry it out in the open or allow direct sunlight into your bedroom
Do not try to mask smoke, mildew, or pet odors with fragrance; disclose the condition honestly
Ask whether the organization is a qualified charity and can provide a donation receipt

Factors to Consider Before Donating Your Mattress

Donating your old mattress to charity may be a good deed that can be lifesaving for someone in need. This is why many folks have no qualms about doing it. That being said, there are factors to consider if you want to successfully hand over your old mattress to an organization that works with the less fortunate in life.

A few of these factors include:

Physical Condition

Before you attempt to hand over your old mattress to someone else, take a good look at the current condition. Then put yourself in the shoes of other third parties and decide if you’d be willing to take a mattress in such a state even as a freebie.

If your mattress is in a bad shape then your chances of a successful donation can be next to zero. For instance, old, worn-out models with springs poking out or sagging spots are likely to be rejected by charities.

Additionally, a mattress with bed bugs, mold, strong odors, or other contamination should not be donated.

The most suitable mattresses for donations are fairly new models with no obvious stains, bed bug or dust mite infestations, and no sagging areas as well.

Have you read the article we wrote on how to deep-clean a dirty and smelly mattress? Click here for the exact steps to breathe a new lease of life into your old mattress.

Location

Another important consideration is your current location. You should know that many of these charities arrange to pick up old mattresses from the homes of consumers. With others, you may have to haul the mattress yourself to designated locations.

The good news is that there are many charities and homeless shelters present in big cities. If you live near branches of these organizations then the pick-up process can be quite straightforward.

But what if you live in a remote island or small town where there are no mattress donations-accepting charities in proximity? Well, **you **may have to drive tens of miles to the nearest charity with the mattress if you own a truck or SUV and can afford to take the trip.

Another option may be to look for an alternative mattress disposal method such as taking it to the closest recycling plant.

Size and Dimensions

Size restrictions and pickup capacity vary. A charity that accepts a twin mattress may not have space or transport for a king-size mattress.

Still, giving them details such as the size and dimensions in advance is always a good idea. You wouldn’t want to drive all the way to deliver your mattress only to be told that the dimensions are unacceptable, would you?

Charities That May Not Accept Mattress Donations

You might think that every charity would be grateful to receive your slightly used mattress but that may not always be the case. The reality is that many popular organizations flatly refuse mattresses and similar items due to space concerns.

Others say no to mattresses to avoid conflicts that can lead to significant financial fines from local and federal authorities. A few of the popular charities that turn down mattress donations include:

1. The Salvation Army

This is one of the first organizations many people consider. The Salvation Army's national donation site lists clean, unbroken mattresses among commonly donated furniture, but it also says local ordinances and local needs affect what each center can take.

Use its pickup and drop-off search or call the local center before loading the mattress. A location may accept a bed frame but decline the mattress itself.

2.Vietnam Veterans of America

Are the Vietnam Veterans of America happy to accept mattress donations? The answer is no.

This organization aims to provide support for members of the United States Military who fought bravely in Vietnam.

VVA runs the Pickup Please program which allows you to schedule a free pick of items ranging from used clothes to shoes as well as electronic appliances and furniture.

According to the VVA website, they only accept items that are small and lightweight enough for a single person to carry. This rules out large items such as sofas and mattresses.

3. Green Drop

Green Drop is another popular charity that refuses mattress donations. A look at the unacceptable items section of their website rules out mattresses, beds, and heavy-duty items such as dishwashers and washing machines.

Instead, the organization relies on donations such as clothing items, tools, toys, kitchenware, blankets, bedding, and shoes.

Benefits of Donating Your Mattress

Congratulations on the quest to donate your used mattress to somebody who may be in need. This can be a selfless gesture that requires respect and we salute you for it. Since one good turn deserves another, here are some benefits of donating old mattresses:

1. Do Some Good

Compassion for fellow humans is one core characteristic that differentiates us from other living beings. Donating old mattresses to charity can be a simple way of doing some good. Remember, the majority of charities make your donations accessible to homeless shelters and women’s shelters.

Since these shelters provide a roof over the heads of people who may be struggling to afford decent accommodation, your old mattress could end up being used by hundreds of people.

Some charities also re-donate used mattresses to veterans and other members of society who may have fallen on hard times.

By donating your mattress, you’re also paying it forward. If you’re ever in need in the future, you’ll also hopefully get help from others in a more fortunate position.

Click here to read The Ultimate Guide to Sleeping in Your Car article we wrote. We reveal the secrets to sleeping comfortably in your car when you’re homeless.

2. Removes Clutter

Donating your old mattress can help de-clutter your home. Whether you live in a small apartment or house, chances are you do not have enough space to accommodate an extra mattress.

The moment a new model arrives in your home, the old one only becomes clutter that needs to be removed. And what better way than to donate it to someone else who might need it more?

Apart from your mattress, many charities will also be happy to pick up your old box springs and bed frames. You can also donate bedding such as blankets and old bedsheets so your apartment can look cleaner and more spacious.

3. Saves the Environment

Mattress donations are popular among environmentally-conscious consumers. There’s only so much clutter that our landfills can handle. If your mattress is fairly new then it is important to hand it over to somebody who can get a few good years out of it instead of leaving it in the dumpster.

This can be a smart way to be a great environmental citizen while providing more bedtime comfort for other people at the same time.

4. Tax-Deductible

Did you know that mattress donations can be tax-deductible? Well, your good deed may not only be a blessing to someone else but could potentially reduce your tax obligations as well.

Ask in advance whether the organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations and whether it provides receipts. Keep the receipt and a record of the mattress's fair-market value; whether you can claim a deduction depends on the organization, the mattress's condition, and your tax situation.

Conclusions

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to wait until the new mattress arrives before looking for ways to get rid of the old one. That can put a lot of pressure on the space in your apartment especially if it is already small.

The good news is that you now have a list of organizations to contact about mattress donations. Confirming acceptance and making pickup arrangements before the new one arrives can save space and frustration.

Some new memory foam mattresses need time to expand or release packaging odors. Check the manufacturer's setup instructions before scheduling removal of your old mattress.

FAQ

Does Habitat for Humanity take mattress donations?

Usually not. Habitat for Humanity's national guide says ReStores do not accept mattresses or box springs, although local criteria can vary. Contact your nearest ReStore before making a trip.

Does Goodwill accept mattress donations?

It depends on the local Goodwill organization. Goodwill says many of its organizations do not accept mattresses, so use the locator and confirm the policy with your nearest donation center.

Does the Salvation Army accept mattress donations?

Sometimes. The Salvation Army lists mattresses among commonly donated furniture, but local rules and needs vary. Check the donation site with your ZIP code or call the local center before scheduling a pickup.

How do I prepare a mattress for donation?

Vacuum it, inspect every surface for stains, tears, mold, odors, and pests, and disclose its condition honestly. Ask the recipient whether it needs to be wrapped for transport. Do not donate a contaminated mattress.

Is a mattress donation tax-deductible?

Potentially. The recipient must be an eligible charitable organization, and IRS guidance generally requires donated household goods to be in good used condition or better. Keep the charity's receipt and your record of fair-market value, and consult current tax guidance for your situation.

Gabriel SmithFounder & Editor

Founder of Sleeperholic and a lifelong sleep obsessive. My real interest is the theory of good sleep — what to do before bedtime, what a genuinely restful night looks like, and how to sleep well every night. I hope you enjoy reading everything about sleep as much as I enjoy writing it.