Getting a new mattress to lay your weary head on at the end of each day is exciting, but getting rid of the old one isn’t nearly as fun. You might not know where to take it, and trying to find a charity that will take it can be headache-inducing.
Fortunately, mattress disposal in Phoenix doesn’t have to be stressful. You have several options, ranging from recycling to repurposing and, of course, junking it. Below, we’ll cover five legal options for getting rid of a mattress if you live in the urban heart of Arizona.
How to Get Rid of a Mattress in Phoenix: The Basics
Despite the number of mattresses you see on the side of the freeway, dumping them in such an unceremonious way is not allowed. If you do, be prepared to pay a minimum fine of $100.
Mattresses are also not suitable for routine residential trash pickup, as they exceed weight and size restrictions. Some mattress companies collect your old one when you purchase from their inventory, but that’s not always available.
Top 5 Methods for Mattress Disposal in Phoenix, AZ
If you find yourself responsible for disposing of a mattress, one of the options below should suit your situation.
1. Sell It
New mattresses are quite expensive, so it’s no wonder many people search for gently used ones to save money. Facebook Marketplace is now the go-to spot for transactions on used goods, but some people still use Craigslist.
If you don’t find any takers with those two online bazaars, you might have success with your local “Buy Nothing” Facebook group. Some of those members might be willing to haul away your mattress.
2. Donate It
Unfortunately, the list of charities and nonprofit organizations willing to accept mattress donations seems to get smaller and smaller.
As of July 2025, Phoenix-area chapters of several well-known charities, including Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army, no longer accept mattress donations. You might have some luck with a local homeless shelter, furniture bank, or animal shelter.
3. Recycle It
Getting active in the green movement can start with small acts, such as recycling your old mattress. The problem in many places across the country, including Phoenix, is that it’s quite difficult to find a recycling center willing to accept mattresses. Bye Bye Mattress has quite a few drop-off locations in California, but that’s not feasible for some Arizonans. Additionally, Earth911 might provide suitable options for mattress recycling in Phoenix.
4. Repurpose It
The repurposing possibilities for mattresses are limited only by the creativity of mankind. Who knows what the frames of boxspring mattresses could yield in woodworking projects? How could the metal coils add to your arsenal of lawn decor? The fabric, foam, and buttons may also get a second life through the ingenuity and resourcefulness of someone you know.
5. Junk It
If your attempts at prolonging the life of your mattress fail, there’s no shame at all in taking it to the dump. Phoenix recently changed its quarterly bulk trash pickup system to an appointment-only system. The change has been touted as giving customers more flexibility, but many residents have had trouble booking appointments due to various scheduling restrictions.
If you have adequate transportation, you may be able to take your mattress to one of two Phoenix transfer stations, which serve as temporary storage facilities for trash items before they are taken to the landfill in Buckeye. Bring along photo identification and a recent utility bill (for trash, water, or sewage) for free disposal each month.
Phase 1 Services offers mattress pickup and disposal to the greater Phoenix Arizona and often has openings for next day pickup. Contact Phase 1 today for a junk removal estimate. Whether it’s a single mattress, a box spring, or a 1/4, 1/2, or full trailer load, Phase 1 Services can help.
Need Professional Junk Removal Services? We’ve Got Your Back
Finding your own method for disposing of an old mattress and figuring out the logistics can be too much of a hassle. If you need it gone without a fuss, Phase 1 Services’ junk removal in Phoenix has you covered. We offer single-item disposal services and size-based packages for customers with multiple pieces of waste.
Get a quote today to get your old mattress out of sight and out of mind!
A Phoenix resident can dispose of a mattress by contacting the city and scheduling a bulk trash pickup for their location. They may also drop off the mattress at a center that accepts donations or at a city-owned transfer station. Another option is to hire professional services to get rid of the mattress.
Phoenix residents who also pay utilities (water, sewage, or trash) to the city can dump one ton of trash every month for free at one of Phoenix’s two transfer stations. Otherwise, dumpers must pay a minimum of $40, plus $55 for each additional ton of waste.
No, leaving a mattress for the regular residential trash pickup service is not permitted in Phoenix.
Some charities and nonprofits accept mattress donations, but many do not. The rules vary for donating mattresses to locally operated charities, such as homeless shelters.