How To Get Rid Of A Mattress

Junk Removal

September 11, 2024•6 min read

How To Get Rid Of A Mattress

Do you need to get rid of a mattress quick? And not trying to break the bank? We'll give you the insider tips on what to do and where to go!

Author, William Vorobets

Local Junk Removal Expert

Updated 11/27/2024

Overview:

• Places To Go

• Donate

• Hire someone

Places To Go:

1. Environmentally Conscious Recycling (ECR)

• Expect To Pay: $50

• Location: NE Portland

ECR Recycling offers specialized mattress and box spring recycling services in Portland, OR. They use innovative technology, like the BEARCLAW Box Spring Extractor, which efficiently separates mattress materials—foam, metal, wood, and fabric—for recycling. This process ensures that nearly 90% of the mattress is recycled, helping keep waste out of landfills. The benefits of using ECR's service include minimizing environmental impact, supporting local innovation, and reducing landfill waste in a cost-effective, responsible way.

Check out this video of the BEARCLAW Box Spring Extractor!

(Video Source: Youtube, by Vernon Brown)

ECR Recycling is a Portland-based company specializing in eco-friendly recycling services. They handle a wide range of materials, such as wood, metal, foam, and more, using advanced technologies to maximize resource recovery and minimize landfill waste. Their commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management makes them a trusted option for junk removal businesses and individuals looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Supporting ECR means you're contributing to local, green initiatives and ensuring that recyclable materials are handled in the most efficient and environmentally sound way.

(This is our Go-To spot! They're right off the highway and easy to access.)

For more details, visit ECR Recycling.

2. Metro Central Transfer Station

• Expect To Pay: $45

• Location: NW Portland

Metro Central Transfer Station in Portland, OR offers mattress recycling services, ensuring that components like metal, foam, and wood are properly recycled instead of going to landfills. They charge a small fee but guarantee responsible recycling practices. The benefits of using their service include contributing to environmental sustainability, reducing landfill waste, and supporting a public facility that prioritizes eco-friendly disposal solutions. Metro Central also offers convenient drop-off options for various household items, making it a one-stop solution for recycling and disposal needs.

I love going to Metro Central because they also accept household chemicals (paint, cleaners, oil, etc...) for free, this saves us a lot of time and headache. So if you have a mattress and some chemicals, this is the place to go!

For more details, visit Metro Central Transfer Station.

(Hammerhead Junk Removal at metro central transfer station)

4. Metro South Transfer Station

• Expect To Pay: $45

• Location: Oregon City

Metro South Transfer Station is another branch of Metro Central Transfer Station, but it is located in Oregon City. Metro South Transfer Station provides an array of waste and recycling services, including the safe disposal of hazardous waste and other household items. Their recycling services cover items like metal, wood, and electronics, helping keep these materials out of landfills. They also offer mattress recycling, breaking down components for eco-friendly reuse. The station is a convenient, one-stop destination for residents seeking responsible disposal options and contributing to environmental sustainability.

(This is the place we go when we're in south Portland, the lines and service is really quick)

For more details, visit Metro South Transfer Station.

5. COLUMBIA RESOURCE COMPANY - WASHOUGAL TRANSFER STATION

• Expect To Pay: $10-$20

• Location: Washougal, WA

Columbia Resource Company’s Washougal Transfer Station accepts mattresses as part of their comprehensive waste disposal and recycling services. The facility is focused on diverting as much material as possible from landfills, including mattresses, which can be recycled responsibly. Along with household waste and recyclables, they provide an eco-friendly option for those looking to dispose of large items like mattresses in a sustainable manner. This makes them a convenient, environmentally conscious choice for local residents.

(If you are not to far away from the Washougal, WA area, this is a great place to go!)

For more details, visit Columbia Resource Company.

Donating:

Community Warehouse

• Expect To Pay: Free

• Location: NE Portland, SE Portland, SW Tigard

Community Warehouse accepts mattresses for free but they require them to be stain, tear, pet hair free. Community Warehouse is a nonprofit organization in Portland that acts as a "furniture bank," connecting donated household items like furniture and mattresses to individuals and families in need. They accept a wide range of items, including mattresses, and redistribute them to help people create comfortable, functional homes. By donating to or using their services, you contribute to reducing waste and supporting the community. They also operate an Estate Store where proceeds benefit their mission.

(They have multiple locations across Portland which help with it being convenient! They're also the few non-profits that accept furniture and mattress, which is becoming more rare)

For more details, visit Community Warehouse.

(Hammerhead Junk Removal donating items)

Hiring Someone:

Hiring a junk removal company to pick up your mattress is a smart choice for several reasons. First, it eliminates the hassle of transporting a large, bulky item yourself. Professional services handle the heavy lifting and ensure your mattress is disposed of or recycled responsibly, saving you time and effort. Additionally, they often work with local recycling facilities, meaning your mattress is more likely to be broken down and repurposed in an eco-friendly way, reducing landfill waste. It’s a convenient, responsible, and stress-free solution!

Here's a Junk Removal company that does a great job a mattress pick ups:

Hammerhead Junk Removal

• Expect To Pay: $99 - $125

• Location: They Come To You

Hammerhead Junk Removal will come to your home and do all the heavy lifting for you, they're a local family owned company that serves the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA area. They specialize in removing unwanted items from homes, offices, and construction sites, including furniture, mattresses, appliances, yard debris, and more. Their eco-friendly approach ensures that as much as possible is recycled or donated, minimizing landfill waste. With a focus on fast, affordable, and hassle-free service, Hammerhead Junk Removal helps customers clear out clutter and responsibly dispose of items.

For more information, visit Hammerhead Junk Removal.

What Happens to a Recycled Mattress?

When a mattress is recycled, it's typically disassembled into its base components:

Metal Springs: The metal is melted down and reused in various industries.
Foam and Padding: These can be repurposed into carpet padding or insulation materials.
Wood Frames: Wood is chipped and used for mulch or biomass fuel.
Fabrics: Fabrics can be broken down and reused in textiles or used for insulation materials.

By recycling your mattress, you help extend the life of these materials and contribute to a circular economy.

Conclusion

If you're wondering where to recycle a mattress in Portland, OR, there are plenty of responsible options available. Whether you drop it off at a recycling facility or donate it to a local charity, you can keep your old mattress out of the landfill and support Portland's sustainability efforts. And if you want a hassle-free solution, Hammerhead Junk Removal is here to handle your mattress removal and recycling needs quickly and responsibly.

Author, William Vorobets

Local Junk Removal Expert

Updated, 11/27/2024