If you’re considering donating a mattress and box spring, you might be wondering – does Goodwill take mattresses? Generally, the answer is no. While policies vary by location, concerns over sanitation and cost usually prevent Goodwill from accepting such items. This article will outline the reasoning behind Goodwill’s policy and introduce you to alternative organizations where donating these bulky bedroom essentials is welcome.
Key Takeaways
Goodwill generally doesn’t accept mattresses and box springs due to sanitation challenges, bed bug risks, and high refurbishing costs, but may accept clean, undamaged mattresses less than 5 years old in rare cases.
Alternatives for mattress donation include the Furniture Bank Network, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity; these groups accept mattresses after they meet safety and sanitation standards, and some offer pickup services.
If donation isn’t an option, selling or giving away your mattress online through marketplaces and social media or opting for eco-friendly disposal through recycling, junk removal, or disposal companies are viable methods.
Goodwill’s Policy on Mattress and Box Spring Donations
Goodwill, a household name in charitable donations, generally doesn’t accept mattresses and box springs. Why is that? The main reasons boil down to sanitation challenges, concerns about bed bugs, and the costs involved in refurbishing them. While some Goodwill locations might consider clean, undamaged mattresses less than 5 years old, this is not the usual practice.
These challenges make it difficult for Goodwill to accept used mattresses, despite the organization’s commitment to helping the community. It’s not that they don’t want to help; rather, accepting such items could potentially divert resources away from their core mission of helping people develop job skills and find employment.
The Sanitation Challenge
Revamping a used mattress is a comprehensive task, encompassing deep cleaning and, at times, repairing the mattress, which can be a lengthy and expensive process. The average cost of sanitizing a mattress can range from $50 to $200, and that’s without considering any repair work that might be needed.
For Goodwill, the costs for basic cleaning can range from $118 to $144 per mattress, depending on the condition and the services needed. This makes it not cost-effective for the organization to accept and refurbish used mattresses. After all, every dollar spent on cleaning a mattress is a dollar less for their core mission of helping individuals find jobs and develop skills.
Bed Bug Concerns
Bed bug infestations present another significant worry for Goodwill. Bed bugs are tiny pests that can easily hide in the nooks and crannies of a mattress, making them hard to detect and even harder to get rid of.
While Goodwill may not accept mattresses and box springs, they often accept bed frame donations, as these are less likely to harbor these pesky critters. Other organizations like Salvation Army and Furniture Bank Network may also accept bed frames for donation, even if they don’t accept mattresses and box springs. This way, they can still provide valuable resources to those in need without the risk of spreading bed bugs.
Refurbishing Costs
Goodwill can be greatly burdened by the substantial costs involved in revamping a mattress. With the average mattress containing a mix of materials, including metal springs, foam padding, and fabric, repairing or refurbishing a mattress can quickly become a costly endeavor.
These costs not only affect Goodwill’s bottom line but also divert resources away from the organization’s primary mission. Every dollar spent on refurbishing a mattress is a dollar less to fund goodwill programs that help people find jobs and develop skills. This financial challenge is a key reason why Goodwill, and many other charities, typically do not accept used mattresses.
Alternative Donation Options for Mattresses and Box Springs
Just because Goodwill won’t accept your mattress doesn’t mean you have no other options. You can donate your old mattress to organizations like the Furniture Bank Network, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity International. These organizations welcome mattress donations to help those in need, even though a goodwill mattress donation might not be possible.
Each of these organizations accept mattress donations and has its own set of policies and procedures for accepting mattresses. Some may even offer pickup services, making it even more convenient for you to donate your old mattress. We will explore each of these organizations in more detail:
Goodwill Industries
The Salvation Army
Habitat for Humanity
Furniture Banks
Local homeless shelters
Local churches and religious organizations
Furniture Bank Network
A collective of organizations, the Furniture Bank Network, welcomes mattress donations to support those in need. Their mission is to help low-income individuals and families break the cycle of furniture poverty by providing them with the necessary home furnishings for a better quality of life.
When you donate a mattress to the Furniture Bank Network, it could end up being given to a family in need for free. The number of items given depends on the size of the family. To ensure the safety and comfort of those receiving the donations, the mattresses are sanitized according to State laws before being distributed.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is another organization to consider for your mattress donation, as it is an excellent way to give back to the community. As long as your mattress is clean and in good condition, it can be used in one of their local shelters or sold in their thrift stores to support their charitable programs.
Convenience is a key factor when donating a large item like a mattress. That’s why the Salvation Army offers a pickup service for donations. You can arrange for this service through their website, making it easy to donate your mattress without leaving your home.
Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a non-profit organization focused on building affordable homes for those in need. But did you know they also accept used mattresses? Through their ReStore program, your mattress can find a new home while supporting a great cause.
Before donating, you’ll need to have your mattress sanitized. Although there might be a small fee associated with this, you can rest easy knowing your mattress will be put to good use while adhering to safety and cleanliness standards.
Preparing Your Mattress for Donation
So you’ve found a place to donate your mattress. What’s next? Before you load it onto a truck, there are a few steps you need to take to prepare your mattress for donation. These include inspecting it for damage, ensuring it’s clean, and preparing it for transportation.
These steps are not only courteous but also crucial in ensuring your mattress meets the donation requirements of the organization you’re donating to. We will delve deeper into each of these steps.
Inspecting for Damage
A comprehensive inspection of your mattress should be the first step before donation. Look for any signs of damage or wear such as:
rips
tears
holes
stains
A mattress in good condition is more likely to be accepted and to benefit someone in need, especially when organizations accept mattress donations.
If your mattress has minor damage, you might be able to repair it before donating. However, keep in mind that a mattress with significant damage, such as large stains or structural problems, may not be suitable for donation.
Ensuring Cleanliness
Once you’ve checked for damage, the next step is to clean your mattress thoroughly. A clean mattress is not only more pleasant to use, but it also meets the hygiene standards of most organizations.
Cleaning a mattress before donating it involves:
Vacuuming it to remove dust and allergens
Spot treating any stains with a fabric cleaner
Deodorizing it to remove any lingering odors
Steam cleaning for a deeper cleanse (optional)
Transporting Your Mattress
With your mattress clean and prepared, the last step involves ensuring its safe transportation. Proper packaging is key to preventing any damage during transport.
You should:
Place your mattress in a heavy-duty, sealable bag and secure it with tape
If you’re moving the mattress yourself, consider using ratchet straps or nylon rope to secure it
Remember, a well-protected mattress is more likely to reach its destination in good condition.
Selling or Giving Away Your Mattress Online
If donating isn’t feasible, selling or offering your mattress online could be a viable alternative. This can be a great alternative, especially if your mattress is in good condition and still has a few years of life left in it.
There are several online platforms where you can list your mattress, including online marketplaces and social media groups. However, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and scams when dealing with online transactions.
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are popular platforms for selling or giving away items, including mattresses. When listing your mattress, provide a detailed description, include some good quality photos, and state your asking price.
Remember, setting a fair price is key to attracting potential buyers. A good rule of thumb is to price your used mattress at around 20% to 30% of its original cost.
Social Media Groups
Apart from online marketplaces, social media groups can also be a great platform for giving away your mattress. One such group is the Buy Nothing Project, which encourages community sharing.
You can also try posting your mattress in local community groups on Facebook or other social media platforms. Just make sure to follow the guidelines of each group when listing your item.
Safety and Scams
Though online platforms present a convenient means to sell or give away your mattress, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about potential scams and safety concerns. From ensuring safe payment methods to dealing with potential buyers or sellers, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself.
When meeting buyers in person, arrange to meet in a public, well-lit place and avoid sharing personal contact information online. Also, ensure your item is accurately described to avoid any misunderstandings.
Eco-Friendly Mattress Disposal Options
Even if donation or selling isn’t possible, you still have eco-friendly disposal alternatives for your mattress. These include mattress recycling programs, junk removal services, and mattress disposal companies.
Choosing an eco-friendly disposal option not only reduces landfill waste but also helps protect the environment from hazardous materials, such as household chemical products and chemicals that can be released from improperly disposed mattresses.
Mattress Recycling Programs
Mattress recycling programs offer an excellent eco-friendly option for disposal. These programs work by breaking down mattresses into their component materials, which can then be recycled and used in other applications.
Organizations like the Mattress Recycling Council and DR3 Recycling offer such services. These programs provide a sustainable and responsible way to dispose of your old mattress, reducing landfill waste and conserving valuable resources.
Junk Removal Services
Another environmentally friendly disposal solution is to use junk removal services. These services work by picking up your mattress and ensuring it’s disposed of in a responsible manner.
Companies like Junk King and College Hunks Hauling Junk are known for their eco-friendly practices. They work with recycling facilities and donation centers to divert as much waste as possible from landfills.
Mattress Disposal Companies
Mattress disposal companies provide a handy and green pickup and disposal service for used mattresses. Companies like Mattress Disposal Plus and 1-800-GOT-JUNK specialize in disposing of mattresses in a way that’s not only convenient but also kind to the environment.
These companies pick up your old mattress and decide whether to:
recycle it
donate it
sell it
repurpose it
based on its condition. This way, you can rest easy knowing your mattress is being disposed of responsibly.
Summary
In conclusion, disposing of a mattress responsibly is not only possible but also easier than you might think. Whether you choose to donate it to a local charity, sell or give it away online, or use an eco-friendly disposal service, there are many ways to make sure your old mattress doesn’t end up in a landfill. Remember, every mattress that’s recycled or donated is a step towards a more sustainable and compassionate world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Goodwill accept mattresses near me?
No, Goodwill does not accept mattresses, but there are other charities and organizations in the US that do. Consider donating to those instead.
How do I get rid of a box spring?
You can get rid of a box spring by contacting your city waste service provider to arrange for a curb pick-up, hiring a junk removal service, or taking it to the landfill yourself. Additionally, consider donating or selling the box spring if it’s in good condition.
What does Goodwill take Washington State?
Goodwill in Washington State takes a variety of items including housewares, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and sports equipment. Consider donating these items to support their cause.
Does Goodwill take furniture in Georgia?
Yes, Goodwill in Georgia takes furniture in good, working condition along with other household items and clothing. They don’t accept items that are ripped, damaged, or broken.
Does Goodwill accept mattresses for donation?
No, Goodwill generally does not accept mattresses due to sanitation challenges and bed bug concerns. However, some locations may make exceptions for clean, undamaged mattresses.