Short answer: Goodwill stops at mattresses. They turn away every used bed for health, pest, and cost reasons. goodwillcentraltexas.orgdcgoodwill.orgtomsguide.com Let’s see why—and better places to send your mattress today.
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Why Goodwill says no
- Bedbugs and germs spread fast in soft surfaces. tomsguide.comreddit.com
- High cleaning costs eat mission dollars. tomsguide.com
- State resale laws block many locations from selling used beds. reddit.comreddit.com
Even boxed spring sets are banned. hotgoodwill.orggoodwilleasttexas.org
What Goodwill still wants
| okay to donate | must be clean |
|---|---|
| Bed sheets & comforters | Machine-washed, no stains tomsguide.com |
| Throw pillows (decor only) | Pet-hair free tomsguide.com |
| Small furniture under 50 lb | No tears, no smoke smell dcgoodwill.org |
Goodwill lists banned items on each regional site. Check yours before loading the car. goodwillcentraltexas.orghotgoodwill.org
Better ways to pass on a mattress
- Salvation Army – Free curb pickup if the bed is clean and tagged. salvationarmyaustin.orgsatruck.org
- Habitat ReStore – Some stores take new-in-bag beds; call first. austinhabitat.org
- Furniture banks – Many give beds to families in need. exmattress.com
- Earth911 recycler finder – Enter your zip, click “mattress.” search.earth911.com
- Ex-Mattress – Paid pickup; they clean and re-home beds. (Austin) exmattress.com
- List on Asherfield – Snap photos, set price, keep 85% payout.
FAQ (people also ask)
Can any Goodwill take a brand-new mattress?
Rarely. Only sealed, store-overstock beds may be sold. reddit.com
Why does Goodwill accept couches but not beds?
Couches are easier to spot-clean and treat; beds soak up pests. tomsguide.com
Is it illegal to donate a used mattress?
No, but many states require sanitizing tags. Goodwill won’t pay that cost. reddit.com
Where can I recycle a mattress?
Use Earth911 or a Mattress Recycling Council site. search.earth911.commattressrecyclingcouncil.org
Can I get a tax write-off elsewhere?
Yes—Salvation Army and Habitat ReStore give receipts. salvationarmyaustin.org
Wrap-up
Goodwill loves many goods, but mattresses aren’t one. Pick a charity that says “yes,” recycle it, or list on Asherfield for fast cash. Need more routes? Read our full mattress donation guide or learn how to donate box springs.
Together, we keep beds out of landfills—one smart move at a time.