Salvation Army mattress donation

One-page guide to what The Salvation Army accepts, how to book a free pickup, and what to do if they say no.

Salvation Army mattress donation

Want to give your bed a second life and help neighbors in need? Follow these easy steps, meet the rules, and set up a free pickup in minutes.

What Salvation Army will—and won’t—take

  • Yes: clean mattresses and box springs with no rips, heavy stains, odors, or bugs, plus the law tag still attached. satruck.org
  • Yes: frames and headboards in good shape (no missing parts). satruck.org
  • No: waterbeds, hospital beds, items with smoke or pet damage, or anything unsellable. exmattress.comwasteremovalusa.com
  • Drivers can refuse a piece at the curb if it fails the quick look test. exmattress.com

Tip: If your bed flunks a line, recycle it or list it on Asherfield instead of sending it to the dump.

How to schedule a free pickup

  1. Go to satruck.org/donate/choose and enter your ZIP. satruck.org
  2. Pick a date and add photos if asked.
  3. Bag the mattress in plastic by 7 a.m. on pickup day.
  4. If plans change, call 1-800-SA-TRUCK to reschedule. satruck.org

Drop-off option

You can also drive to the nearest family store—check hours first. The Austin location sits at 4216 S Congress Ave. austin.satruck.org

Why they have strict rules

Sold beds fund Salvation Army rehab centers, so only resalable items help the cause. satruck.org Health codes and pest risks force them to turn away damaged pieces—same reason Goodwill won’t touch mattresses. tomsguide.com

FAQ (people also ask)

Does Salvation Army take used mattresses?
Yes, if the bed is clean, tagged, and under roughly eight years old. exmattress.com

Will they pick up inside my home?
Most branches do curbside only; some offer in-home for a fee—call ahead. satruck.org

Do I get a tax receipt?
Yes. Use their value guide to set a fair write-off. satruck.org

What if my bed is rejected?
Book a recycler through Earth911 or use a paid hauler like Ex-Mattress that cleans and rehomes mattresses. exmattress.com

Can I donate a box spring, too?
Box springs follow the same clean-and-tag rules and often go with the mattress. satruck.org

Wrap-up

Meet the checklist, bag your bed, and book the free truck—easy. If Salvation Army says no, list on Asherfield and keep 85% of the sale, or read our full mattress donation guide for more routes.

Next up: see why Goodwill passes on beds and what to do instead.