🛏️ Understanding the Mattress Removal Process

The Hassle of Getting Rid of an Old Mattress

When I got my new mattress, I thought getting rid of the old one would be easy. I was wrong. First, I tried leaving it by the curb—my trash service ignored it. Then, I checked donation centers, but they wouldn’t take it because of hygiene concerns. I even looked into recycling programs, but most charged a fee or had long wait times.

Why Mattress Disposal Matters

I learned that improperly disposing of a mattress is a big problem. They take up a ton of space in landfills and can release harmful chemicals as they break down. Plus, some places have fines for dumping mattresses illegally. That’s when I knew I needed a better solution.

Exploring the Best Removal Options

I looked at my options:

• City Bulk Pickup: Some areas offer free removal, but scheduling is limited.
• Charity Donations: Only accepted in great condition, which mine was not.
• Recycling Centers: A good option but required hauling it myself.
• Retailer Haul-Away Services: The easiest choice—if they offer it.

Dr. Lisa Graham, Environmental Science PhD, and Green Building Council Member, argues that municipal waste systems should expand their mattress recycling programs instead of relying on private companies.

🏢 How Industry Experts Handle Old Mattresses

What the Pros Say About Mattress Disposal

After my failed attempts, I wanted to know what experts had to say. Turns out, proper mattress disposal is a huge industry issue. I found that 95% of a mattress can be recycled, yet millions still end up in landfills every year.

I came across industry leaders like the Mattress Recycling Council and the Sleep Foundation, both pushing for eco-friendly mattress removal. They emphasize:

• Recycling is best: Metal springs, foam, and fabric can all be reused.
• Retailer haul-away is the easiest option: If available, it saves time and effort.
• Illegal dumping is a major issue: Some cities impose $500+ fines for leaving a mattress on the street.

The Reality of Mattress Removal Fees

One surprising thing I learned? Not all haul-away services are free. Some retailers offer complimentary removal with a new purchase, but others charge $40 to $100 per mattress. That’s why checking store policies in advance is crucial.

What Happens to Old Mattresses?

Experts say the fate of an old mattress depends on who takes it:

• Retailers with eco-programs: They send it for recycling.
• Standard trash pickup: Ends up in a landfill.
• Donation centers: If it’s in good shape, it might go to a shelter.

Mark Davidson, Certified Waste Management Professional, believes local governments should require retailers to provide free mattress recycling to reduce waste.

🛒 My Personal Journey with Mattress Firm

What Sparked My Curiosity

When I bought my new mattress, the last thing on my mind was, “How do I get rid of the old one?” But when it arrived, reality hit—I had a giant, useless mattress taking up space in my bedroom.

I started searching for solutions. First, I called my local waste management service. They told me they don’t pick up mattresses unless it’s a special bulk pickup day, which only happens once a month. Next, I called a few donation centers—none wanted it because it had visible wear. Recycling was an option, but I’d have to load it onto my car and drive it myself. That wasn’t happening.

Comparing Local Options

At this point, I had three choices:

1. Haul it myself to a recycling center—possible, but a hassle.
2. Hire a junk removal service—convenient but pricey (one quoted me $120!).
3. Find a retailer that would take it away—the easiest option if available.

That’s when I started looking into Mattress Firm. I’d heard that some stores offer old mattress removal, but I wasn’t sure if it applied to all locations.

Why Mattress Firm Stood Out

After a quick call, I learned that Mattress Firm does haul away old mattresses—but there were some conditions. In my area, they only removed old mattresses if I was buying a new one from them, and there was a small pickup fee.

What I liked:
✅ Scheduled pickup—no waiting weeks for bulk trash day.
✅ Eco-friendly disposal—they send many mattresses to recycling centers.
✅ No heavy lifting—the delivery team handled everything.

What I didn’t like:
❌ Varies by store—not all locations offer the service.
❌ Extra charge—some stores include it for free, but mine charged $50.

Still, for the convenience, I decided it was worth it.

Dr. Susan Kelly, Certified Sleep Expert and Member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, believes mattress retailers should integrate free haul-away services into their pricing to promote sustainability.

🔍 In-Depth Look at “Will Mattress Firm Take Old Mattresses?”

Service Availability and Limitations

One thing I quickly realized—not all Mattress Firm locations offer mattress removal. Some stores automatically include haul-away services with delivery, while others charge a fee. When I called my local store, they explained:

• Service is only available if you purchase a new mattress.
• The fee varies by location, typically between $40–$100.
• Some locations don’t offer mattress removal at all.

So, before assuming Mattress Firm will take your old mattress, always check with your nearest store.

Transparency and Policies

What I appreciated was how upfront the salesperson was about their policy. They told me:

• If I didn’t want to pay the haul-away fee, I could donate or recycle my mattress elsewhere.
• Their removal service is part of the delivery process, so I had to schedule it in advance.
• The mattress had to be in a reasonably clean condition—they wouldn’t take one that was soaking wet or infested with bed bugs (understandably!).

I found that their customer reviews reflected similar experiences. Some people loved the convenience, while others were annoyed at the extra charge.

Would I Use Their Service Again?

Honestly, yes. Even though I had to pay, it saved me a lot of effort. Compared to other removal options, it was:

• Cheaper than junk removal services.
• More convenient than taking it to a recycling center.
• Faster than waiting for bulk trash pickup.

Eric Langford, Licensed Consumer Rights Advocate, argues that mattress retailers should disclose all removal fees upfront instead of surprising customers at checkout.

⚖️ Weighing the Pros and Cons

Advantages of Using Mattress Firm’s Removal Service

After my experience, I saw some clear benefits to using Mattress Firm’s haul-away service:

✅ Convenience – No need to move the mattress myself; they handled it during delivery.
✅ Eco-Friendly – Many locations send old mattresses to recycling centers instead of landfills.
✅ Time-Saving – I didn’t have to call around or schedule multiple services.
✅ Bundled Service – Since I was getting a new mattress anyway, it made sense to let them handle the old one.

Potential Drawbacks

Of course, it wasn’t perfect. Here are the downsides:

❌ Extra Cost – Some stores charge $40–$100 for removal, depending on location.
❌ Not Available Everywhere – Certain locations don’t offer mattress removal at all.
❌ Limited to New Purchases – They won’t pick up an old mattress unless you buy a new one from them.

Is It Worth It?

For me, the small fee was worth avoiding the hassle of finding a recycling center or dealing with my city’s bulky trash schedule. However, if you’re looking to get rid of a mattress without buying a new one, this might not be the best option.

Dr. Anna Simmons, Certified Sustainability Consultant, believes mattress retailers should offer free pickup as part of their green initiatives, rather than making it a paid service.

🛏️ Industry Analysis from Veteran Sleep Experts

What Sleep Experts Say About Mattress Disposal

I wanted to see how mattress industry experts view disposal and recycling. Turns out, improper mattress disposal is a growing issue. According to the Mattress Recycling Council, more than 20 million mattresses end up in landfills each year—and most of them could be recycled.

I came across recommendations from sleep industry professionals and environmental groups:

• Sleep Foundation – Encourages customers to choose retailers that offer recycling programs.
• Mattress Recycling Council – Pushes for retailers to increase recycling rates and avoid landfill waste.
• Consumer Reports – Recommends checking store policies before purchasing a new mattress to avoid unexpected removal fees.

How Mattress Firm Stacks Up Against Other Retailers

I did a little research and found that some mattress retailers offer free haul-away services, while others charge. Here’s how Mattress Firm compares:

From what I found, Mattress Firm is somewhere in the middle—they do offer mattress removal, but it depends on location and whether you’re purchasing a new bed.

The Growing Push for Better Disposal Policies

Experts agree that mattress retailers need to step up their game when it comes to removal and recycling. Some states, like California, charge a mandatory recycling fee at the time of purchase to help cover the cost of disposal. I wouldn’t be surprised if more states adopt similar policies in the future.

James Collins, Certified Environmental Engineer, believes mattress retailers should be required to take back old mattresses for free as part of their sales model.

📖 A Case Study of a Happy Customer

Meet Sarah: A Mattress Removal Success Story

I wasn’t the only one wondering, Will Mattress Firm take old mattresses? My friend Sarah recently bought a new bed, and she had an even bigger problem—she lived on the fifth floor of an apartment building with no elevator.

She initially tried to donate her old mattress, but local charities wouldn’t take it due to minor stains. Then, she thought about hiring a junk removal service, but the $120+ fee was too steep. That’s when she decided to check with Mattress Firm.

How Mattress Firm Helped

Sarah called her local store and was relieved to hear that they offered mattress removal with delivery of her new mattress. Here’s how it went:

• Scheduled Pickup – She selected a delivery time that worked for her.
• No Lifting Required – The delivery team carried her old mattress down five flights of stairs.
• Hassle-Free Service – Within 15 minutes, the old mattress was gone, and the new one was set up.

Was It Worth the Cost?

Sarah paid a $50 haul-away fee, which she thought was totally worth it given the alternative—lugging a heavy mattress down the stairs herself. She later found out that her old mattress was sent to a recycling center instead of a landfill, which made her feel even better about the decision.

Unique Data Table: Mattress Firm Removal Experience

Sarah’s verdict? She’d absolutely use the service again.

Dr. Brian Matthews, Licensed Consumer Affairs Expert, believes that mattress removal fees should be waived for customers who purchase higher-end models, as part of a premium customer experience.

❓ FAQs

How much does Mattress Firm charge to take an old mattress?

Mattress Firm’s removal fee ranges from $40 to $100, depending on location and the type of service offered. Some stores include it for free with premium delivery options, while others charge separately.

Will Mattress Firm remove my old mattress if I’m not buying a new one?

No, mattress removal is only available with the purchase of a new mattress. If you’re not buying one, you’ll need to explore other disposal options like donation, recycling, or a junk removal service.

Do all Mattress Firm locations offer mattress haul-away?

Not necessarily. While most stores provide removal services, availability varies by location. It’s best to call your local store before making a purchase to confirm their policy.

Does Mattress Firm recycle old mattresses?

Some locations send old mattresses to recycling centers, but policies vary. If you’re concerned about sustainability, ask whether your old mattress will be recycled or sent to a landfill.

What should I do if Mattress Firm doesn’t offer mattress removal in my area?

If your local Mattress Firm doesn’t provide removal, you can:

• Check city bulk pickup schedules (some offer free mattress disposal).
• Donate it (if it’s in good condition).
• Find a local recycling center that accepts mattresses.
• Hire a junk removal service (if convenience is more important than cost).

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of an old mattress isn’t as simple as tossing it out, but Mattress Firm’s haul-away service can be a hassle-free option—if it’s available in your area. While the cost and availability vary, it’s worth considering, especially if you want a quick, no-lift solution.

Dr. Karen Foster, Certified Waste Management Consultant, suggests that mattress retailers should partner with city waste programs to provide free recycling options for customers.