Need to move out a good box spring? Below you’ll find who still says “yes,” how to prep it, what laws matter, and quick fall-backs when donation flops.
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Who still takes box springs
- Salvation Army – Free curb pickup if it’s clean, tagged, and rip-free. salvationarmyaustin.orgsatruck.org
- St. Vincent de Paul – Austin center books pickups Tue-Sat; call first. ssvdp.org
- Furniture Bank Network – Many banks give beds to families starting over; check your nearest branch. furniturebanks.orgfurniturebanks.org
- Habitat ReStore – Most stores say no, but a few accept new-in-bag sets only. Always ask. austinhabitat.orghabitat.org
- Goodwill – All Goodwill regions list mattresses and box springs on their “can’t accept” list. goodwillcentraltexas.orghotgoodwill.org
- Paid haulers (Ex-Mattress, etc.) – They’ll pick up, deep-clean, and re-home in one trip. library.austintexas.libguides.com
Prep steps before any hand-off
- Vacuum both sides.
- Spot-clean stains.
- Bag in plastic on pickup day.
- Keep the white law tag on.
- Pair it with the mattress if the charity asks.
Charities refuse any box spring with rips, odors, or pests. salvationarmyaustin.org
Know the rules in your state
Some states (CA, CT, RI, OR, ME) charge recycling fees and require shops to take back a customer’s old mattress and box spring at no cost. mattressrecyclingcouncil.org Other states demand yellow “sanitized” labels before resale, which pushes many charities to decline used springs. mattressrecyclingcouncil.org
When to recycle instead
If your box spring fails the checklist, recycle it. Wood, steel coils, and cotton are easy to strip and reuse. earth911.com Use Earth911’s zip search to find a recycler near you. earth911.com Austin residents can schedule City bulk pickup for springs that can’t be donated. library.austintexas.libguides.com
FAQ (people also ask)
Can you donate just a box spring?
Yes—if it meets the same clean, tag-on rules as a mattress. salvationarmyaustin.org
Who picks up box springs for free?
Salvation Army and some furniture banks offer curb pickups in many zips. salvationarmyaustin.orgfurniturebanks.org
Why won’t Goodwill take them?
Pest risk, cleaning cost, and state laws make box springs a hard no for Goodwill. goodwillcentraltexas.org
Can I recycle the coils myself?
Yes, scrap yards often pay for the steel once you cut the fabric away. earth911.com
Is donation tax-deductible?
Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul give receipts so you can itemize. salvationarmyaustin.orgssvdp.org
Wrap-up
Clean it, bag it, and call a charity first. If they pass, book a recycler or list on Asherfield—keep 85% of the sale and keep springs out of landfills.
Need more options? Jump back to our full mattress donation guide or check routes near you. Together we give every bed part a second chance.