How to Dispose of a Box Spring Properly

Box springs are certainly useful, providing support for your mattress and increasing its longevity. They are also heavy and awkward to move, leaving many people wondering how to get rid of the darn things. Don’t worry. Here are your options to get rid of a box spring beyond just sending it to a landfill.

Why Dispose of a Box Spring Properly

Knowing how to dispose of a box spring is important for the sake of the environment and your community. When box springs are disposed of improperly—typically through illegal dumping—it can cost your city and fellow residents more to clean up.

How to Dispose of a Box Spring 7 Ways

The best way to dispose of a box spring depends on where you live and the resources readily available to you. Here are seven options to consider:

1. Take It to the Curb

Most municipalities have bulky pick-up days where sanitation workers come and pick up your large items—including box springs—with no fuss whatsoever. Contact your local regulatory agency, inquire about bulk pickup days, and drag the box spring to the curb that morning.

A few things to keep in mind: Even if your area has a bulk pickup, make sure they specifically handle box springs, as some cities rule them out due to their size. Other areas require you to cover box springs with plastic before leaving them out.

2. Bring It to Your Local Recycling Center

Disposing of furniture in an eco-friendly manner is always a good idea. Not every recycling center accepts box springs, as they are made from a diverse array of materials, but it’s still worth a shot. Give your local recycling center a call and inquire about box springs, making sure to ask for any associated disposal fees. You’ll have to transport the item on your own, so call in a favor from your most helpful friend. 

3. Hire a Junk Removal Service

This is the most hands-off option. Just contact a local junk removal company and make an appointment for a pickup. They’ll send a team inside your home, so you won’t even have to lift a finger. However, you pay for the privilege. Hiring a junk removal service costs $75 to $100 to dispose of a box spring or mattress. These companies will haul away just about anything if you are wondering how to dispose of appliances. You’ll likely save a few bucks if you have them pick up multiple items at the same time. 

4. Dismantle and Recycle Materials Separately 

It’s not the quickest option, but dismantling is the best way to harvest the materials within a box spring for reuse or recycling. To take it apart, start by flipping the box spring so the bottom is facing up. Use a box cutter to separate the fabric from the wood, removing staples as you go. Next, dismantle the wooden frame with the backside of a hammer, a crowbar, or a screwdriver.

You can take the metal or spring unit to a local scrap metal yard. You won’t have to pay anyone to haul it away, and you may actually get a few bucks for your trouble. Bring the wood to a traditional recycling center, or use it in future projects around the house. The fabric left from the cover can be tossed in the trash or reused instance, like as a weed barrier in the garden. 

5. Take It to the Landfill

Heading to a landfill is nobody’s idea of a good time, but they do accept box springs. Gather up an unlucky friend or family member to help you haul the box spring into a truck or van and bring it to the landfill during regular business hours. Unfortunately, you’ll likely get charged when dropping it off, but this fee is typically minimal, around $15 to $25. Landfills accept lots of bulky items, so you can also dispose of your mattress at the same time. It’s worth noting that mattresses and box springs contain harmful compounds, like flame-retardant chemicals, so this isn’t the most environmentally-friendly option. 

6. Donate 

Donation centers sometimes accept box springs as long as they’re in good shape. Every charity, organization, and shelter has its own standards for donations, so call ahead before hauling the box spring across town. Generally speaking, make sure the box spring has no obvious damage or any hint of insect infestation. Stains and odors are also unacceptable. Relevant organizations include Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and Furniture Banks Across America, among others. 

7. Sell It

If your box spring is in great condition, you can always sell it on an online marketplace. If you can get the buyer to come pick it up, that’ll save you the hassle of hauling it, too. The item must be in fantastic shape, or you won’t get any bites. Make sure the box spring has no holes, tears, or stains. Be honest when describing the box spring on sales platforms to avoid a hassle when the buyer shows up. 

Tips for Dealing With Box Spring Disposal

• Ask for help. Whether you are carrying your box spring to the curb for collection or bringing it to a landfill for disposal, you should enlist a friend or family member to help you carry the box spring to prevent hurting yourself in the process.

• Use local buy/sell/donation groups. Whether you want to sell your box spring or donate it to someone at no cost, joining local online groups to sell or give things away is a quick way to connect to people who might need your mattress.

How Much Does Junk Removal Cost?

Junk removal costs an average of $250, but you can expect to pay a little less to dispose of a box spring or mattress. Budget about $100 per box spring, or take it to a landfill yourself for a small fee. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Dispose of a Box Spring

When it comes to how to dispose of a box spring, both the DIY route and hiring a pro are viable options. If you feel capable of navigating the DIY options—such as selling the box spring or dismantling it and recycling the individual parts—then you can take advantage of those options and save some money. However, what’s most important is that the box spring is disposed of safely and properly. Hiring a pro is definitely worth it if you feel you can’t do it on your own.