by When you buy a new mattress, you still have an old one to deal with. At 60-80 pounds and 60 inches wide, a mattress is not something you can throw in the trash. Professional removal services charge $50-150. Municipal programs require scheduling and may charge fees. Some mattress brands solve this problem by including free old mattress removal with delivery. Here is who does it, what the conditions are, and your alternatives if your brand does not.
Our Top Pick
Saatva Classic — White-glove delivery, 365-night trial, free returns.
Brands That Include Free Old Mattress Removal
Saatva
Saatva includes white-glove delivery and old mattress removal on every order at no extra charge. No conditions beyond standard accessibility. They will remove one old mattress (and foundation if you order a new one) per order. This is the most consistently available free removal in the premium segment. Same service whether you are in a house or a high-rise apartment.
Purple
Purple offers old mattress removal as part of white-glove delivery, but availability varies by region and delivery tier. Confirm at checkout whether removal is included in your specific area and order. Purple's white-glove delivery is not always the default option — select it explicitly and verify removal is included.
Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado includes mattress removal with their white-glove delivery service on eligible orders. Available in most markets. Confirm conditions at checkout as service areas can vary.
Sleep Number
Sleep Number offers old mattress removal with in-home delivery for a fee — typically $50-100. It is not free but it is convenient as part of their delivery service. Confirm current pricing at time of purchase.
Traditional Mattress Retailers (Mattress Firm, Ashley, etc.)
Most traditional retailers offer old mattress removal as an add-on service for $50-100. It is rarely included at no charge. Always ask explicitly and get the total cost in writing before purchase.
Alternatives If Your Brand Does Not Include Free Removal
Municipal Bulk Pickup
Most cities and counties offer bulk item pickup on scheduled dates. Free in many areas; a small fee in others ($10-30). Schedule at least 1-2 weeks in advance. Check your local municipal website for the schedule. This is the most cost-effective option for patient buyers.
Mattress Recycling Programs
Many states with mattress recycling mandates (California, Connecticut, Rhode Island) have drop-off centers or pickup programs. Search "mattress recycling [your state]" to find options. Often free or low-cost, and environmentally preferable to landfill disposal.
Donation
Habitat for Humanity ReStores, local charities, and shelters sometimes accept mattresses in good condition. Requirements: no stains, no tears, no significant sagging. Call ahead — acceptance policies vary. Free disposal with social benefit.
Junk Removal Services
1-800-GOT-JUNK, LoadUp, and similar services will remove a mattress for $75-150 depending on your area. Convenient, available on short notice. Most expensive option but requires no planning.
Retailer Haul-Away
When buying from any retailer, always ask: does your delivery include old mattress removal? Can I add it? What does it cost? Some retailers will add haul-away for $25-50 if asked, even if it is not advertised. It is worth asking at checkout.
What Removal Services Will Not Take
Bed bug-infested mattresses are refused by virtually all removal services (retailers, municipal programs, charities, junk services). If your old mattress has bed bugs, you must seal it in a mattress disposal bag ($10-15) before scheduling any pickup, and disclose the situation to the removal service. Some municipalities have specific procedures for infested items.
Planning Your Purchase Around Removal
The smartest approach: factor removal cost into your total purchase price before comparing brands. A brand that costs $100 more but includes free removal is effectively price-equivalent to (or cheaper than) a brand that charges for removal or does not offer it. See our mattress delivery guide for full delivery cost comparison, and price guide for total-cost framework.
Our Top Pick
Saatva Classic — White-glove delivery, 365-night trial, free returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mattress brands remove your old mattress for free?
Saatva includes old mattress removal free with every white-glove delivery order, no conditions. Purple and Avocado include it in white-glove delivery in most regions. Most other brands charge $50-100 as an add-on.
What happens to my old mattress when it is removed?
Responsible removal services recycle or donate mattresses in reusable condition. Recycling breaks down materials (foam, fabric, springs) for reuse. Saatva partners with local recycling programs where available. Junk removal services typically take mattresses to recycling facilities or landfill.
Can I put a mattress out for bulk trash pickup?
In most cities and counties, yes — on designated bulk pickup days. Schedule at least 1-2 weeks in advance through your municipal waste authority. Free in most areas, small fee in others. Check your local government website for the schedule.
What do I do with an old mattress that has bed bugs?
Seal it in a mattress disposal bag (available for $10-15) before moving it out of the room — this prevents spreading. Notify any removal service about the infestation before scheduling. Do not donate or leave unsealed on a curb.
How do I dispose of a mattress for free?
Three options: (1) municipal bulk pickup — free in most areas; (2) state mattress recycling programs (available in CA, CT, RI and others); (3) donate to charity if in good condition. Buying from a brand like Saatva that includes free removal with delivery is the easiest zero-effort solution.