Mattress Disposal 101: Where & How to Get Rid of a Mattress Legally

Replacing your old mattress is exciting—finally, a good night’s sleep on something new! But the next question is far less fun: what do you do with the old one?

Mattresses are heavy, bulky, and not something you can toss in your regular trash bin. In Fort Myers and across Southwest Florida, improper disposal can lead to fines, environmental harm, and unsightly curbside clutter.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about mattress disposal in Fort Myers—including recycling, donation, pickup options, and how to make the process eco-friendly and fully legal.

Why Proper Mattress Disposal Matters

Most mattresses contain foam, fabric, steel springs, and wood frames. When dumped in a landfill, these materials take decades to break down and can release chemicals that contaminate soil and groundwater.

Each year, the U.S. disposes of over 20 million mattresses, many of which could have been recycled or reused. Proper disposal ensures:

• Reduced landfill waste

• Lower carbon emissions

• Protection of Florida’s fragile ecosystems

• Compliance with state and county regulations

In short: handling your mattress responsibly protects both your community and the environment.

1: Check Your Mattress Condition

Before deciding where it should go, inspect your mattress carefully.

Donate it if:

• It’s less than 8–10 years old.

• It’s clean, odor-free, and has no tears or sagging.

• The springs and foam are still supportive.

Recycle or dispose of it if:

• It’s heavily stained or torn.

• It has mold, pests, or structural damage.

• It’s beyond repair or violates donation hygiene rules.

Knowing the condition determines whether your mattress gets a second life or heads for responsible recycling.

2: Donation Options for Gently Used Mattresses

If your mattress is still in decent shape, donating it is the best first step. It keeps usable furniture out of landfills and supports local families.

Top Donation Options in Fort Myers & Southwest Florida

1. Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Fort Myers & Naples)

   • Accepts clean mattresses, box springs, and bed frames.

   • Offers scheduled pickup for large items.

2. Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida

   • Accepts new or lightly used mattresses at select locations.

   • Provides donation receipts for tax purposes.

3. Local Shelters & Churches

   • Some transitional housing programs accept clean mattresses for residents.

   • Always call ahead to confirm drop-off or pickup availability.

Pro Tip: Due to health codes, not all donation centers can take used bedding. Always check policies in advance.

If donation isn’t an option, recycling is the next best step.

3: Mattress Recycling in Fort Myers

Did you know over 80% of a mattress can be recycled? Instead of dumping it, professional recyclers break it down into reusable materials.

What Happens During Mattress Recycling

• Metal Springs: Extracted and melted for new steel products.

• Foam Padding: Repurposed into carpet underlay or insulation.

• Wood Frames: Turned into mulch or biomass fuel.

• Fabric Covers: Reused for industrial textiles or stuffing.

Where to Recycle Mattresses in Lee County

• Lee County Solid Waste – Topaz Court Facility (Fort Myers)

  • Accepts mattresses, box springs, and bulky household items for recycling.

• Bonita Springs Transfer Station

  • Handles both residential and commercial mattress drop-offs.

• Eco-friendly junk removal services like Pure Disposal, which partner with local recycling facilities to ensure materials are properly sorted and reused.

Recycling saves landfill space and prevents valuable materials from going to waste.

4: City & County Bulk Pickup Guidelines

If recycling or donation isn’t feasible, your city may offer bulk waste collection for large household items, including mattresses.

Fort Myers Bulk Pickup Rules

• Schedule pickup in advance through the city’s Solid Waste Division.

• Limit: 1–2 large items per collection.

• Mattresses must be sealed in plastic bags for sanitation.

• Place items curbside by 6 a.m. on the scheduled day.

Cape Coral & Naples Residents

These areas follow similar guidelines but may require specific bagging or tagging for hygiene reasons. Always verify collection schedules online or by calling your waste department.

If your pickup window is weeks away or you need same-day service, hiring a junk removal company is the most efficient option.

5: Hire a Professional Mattress Removal Service

Professional haulers make old mattress removal simple, fast, and completely compliant with Florida’s waste rules.

Benefits of Professional Mattress Removal:

• No heavy lifting: Crews remove mattresses from bedrooms, attics, or apartments.

• Same-day service: Perfect if you’re moving or replacing furniture.

• Eco-friendly disposal: Most services recycle or donate before dumping.

• Transparent pricing: Upfront quotes with no hidden fees.

• Local compliance: Licensed haulers ensure legal disposal at approved facilities.

In Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and Lee County, Pure Disposal provides reliable mattress removal that combines efficiency and environmental responsibility. Whether it’s a single mattress or a full bedroom set, their team handles everything from start to finish.

6: Prepare Your Mattress for Pickup or Drop-Off

Before removal day, take a few quick steps to make the process smoother and safer.

Checklist:

1. Strip all bedding, sheets, and covers.

2. Seal the mattress in a heavy-duty plastic bag.

3. Clear a pathway for movers or sanitation crews.

4. Label multiple items clearly if placing outside.

Sealing prevents contamination and pests—especially important in humid Florida weather.

7: Avoid Illegal Dumping at All Costs

Unfortunately, illegal mattress dumping is still common in many Florida neighborhoods. Besides being an eyesore, it’s against the law.

Consequences of Illegal Mattress Dumping

• Fines of up to $500 for improper disposal.

• Environmental damage from chemical leaching.

• Pest problems from rotting foam and fabric.

• Neighborhood decline and decreased property values.

Proper disposal keeps communities cleaner, safer, and more sustainable.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Old Mattresses

If you enjoy DIY projects or want to extend your mattress’s usefulness before disposal, here are creative reuse ideas:

• Use foam for pet beds or cushions.

• Turn wooden slats into garden benches or compost bin walls.

• Repurpose fabric for drop cloths or moving blankets.

These small efforts reduce waste and promote sustainability—perfect for eco-conscious homeowners.

8: Understand Mattress Disposal Costs

Disposal pricing varies depending on your location, pickup size, and service type.

Many junk removal companies offer discounts for multiple items or combine mattress pickup with furniture removal for a single visit.

9: What Happens After Removal

If you hire a licensed service or use a county facility, your mattress goes through one of three possible processes:

1. Recycling: Components are separated and reused.

2. Energy Recovery: Foam or fabric is converted to fuel or insulation.

3. Landfill Disposal: Reserved for items too contaminated or degraded to reuse.

Companies like Pure Disposal prioritize recycling first, ensuring minimal landfill waste and maximum resource recovery.

Environmental Benefits of Responsible Mattress Disposal

Proper mattress recycling in Fort Myers helps protect Southwest Florida’s delicate ecosystems.

Positive Impacts Include:

• Reduced CO₂ emissions: Recycling one mattress saves up to 100 lbs. of CO₂.

• Conservation of natural resources: Metal, foam, and wood are reused instead of mined or manufactured.

• Cleaner communities: Prevents illegal dumping in residential areas.

• Less landfill strain: Each recycled mattress saves about 23 cubic feet of landfill space.

Eco-conscious junk removal plays a vital role in maintaining Florida’s clean water and healthy wildlife habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I leave a mattress on the curb in Fort Myers?

Only if you’ve scheduled bulk pickup and properly sealed it in plastic. Otherwise, it’s considered illegal dumping.

2. Does Fort Myers recycle mattresses?

Yes. The Lee County Solid Waste Department accepts mattresses for recycling at the Topaz Court Facility.

3. What if my mattress is infested with bed bugs?

Seal it tightly in plastic, label it “INFESTED,” and inform your hauler or waste facility before drop-off.

4. How long does mattress removal take?

Professional junk removal typically takes 20–30 minutes, with same-day service available in most areas.

5. Do junk removal companies recycle mattresses?

Reputable ones do. Pure Disposal, for example, separates recyclable components and donates usable items before final disposal.

Final Thoughts

Getting rid of a mattress legally in Fort Myers doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you donate, recycle, or hire a professional hauler, you can ensure your old bed is handled responsibly from start to finish.

By choosing eco-friendly mattress disposal methods, you help reduce landfill waste, support community reuse programs, and protect Florida’s beautiful environment.

If you’re ready to reclaim space and dispose of your mattress the right way, Pure Disposal is here to help. From mattress recycling to old mattress removal, their team provides fast, transparent, and fully legal service across Southwest Florida.