Need to move out a good bed in ATX? This guide shows who still takes mattresses, what they need, and quick backup plans.
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Who will take your bed here?
| option | accepts? | cost | how to book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salvation Army | Yes, if clean, tagged, stain-free | Free curb pickup | Call 512-416-0607 or use SAtruck.org |
| SAFE Alliance shelter | Yes, twin/full most wanted | Free drop off | Email [email protected] for times |
| Habitat ReStore | Only new-in-bag | Free drop off | Fill online form |
| Goodwill Central TX | No mattresses allowed | — | — |
| Ex-Mattress haul-away | Yes, any size | $65 pickup + $50 per mattress | Book online |
Visual note: insert a shaded comparison table like above (600 px wide).
Salvation Army Austin
- Picks up curbside Tues-Sat. salvationarmyaustin.org
- Must be less than 5 yrs old, no rips or odors. exmattress.com
SAFE Alliance
- Shelter accepts beds for families in crisis. safeaustin.org
- Email first; drop at 1515 Grove Blvd. safeaustin.org
Habitat ReStore
- Only brand-new or plastic-wrapped beds. unicornmoving.com
Goodwill
- Goodwill Central Texas bans all used mattresses for health reasons. goodwillcentraltexas.orgtomsguide.com
Paid, but easy: Ex-Mattress
- Same-day pickup across Austin. exmattress.com
- $65 truck fee + $50 per mattress; they clean and rehome many beds. exmattress.com
Prep steps before any hand-off
- Vacuum both sides.
- Wipe spots.
- Bag in plastic on pickup day.
- Keep the law tag on.
Charities reject beds that break any rule. exmattress.comreddit.com
Visual note: show a four-icon “ready/not ready” checklist beside this list.
What if no one says yes?
- Recycle it. Use Earth911’s zip tool to find a mattress recycler. earth911.com
- City bulk pickup. Austin Resource Recovery will haul bulky items on request. austintexas.gov
- List on Asherfield. Snap pics, set a price, keep 85% when it sells.
FAQ
Will someone pick up free?
Salvation Army still offers free curbside in many Austin zips. salvationarmyaustin.org
Why won’t Goodwill take my bed?
State rules and pest worries make sanitizing too costly. tomsguide.com
Can box springs go too?
Yes—same clean rules apply; some groups take them with the mattress. exmattress.comsalvationarmyaustin.org
Is donation tax-deductible?
Salvation Army and SAFE are IRS-approved charities; save your receipt. satruck.org
Bed still looks rough?
Recycle it or pay Ex-Mattress to clean and reroute it. exmattress.com
Wrap-up
Start with Salvation Army or SAFE, prep the bed, and you’re done. If they pass, recycle or book Ex-Mattress. Want cash instead? List on Asherfield—keep 85%, skip hagglers, and feel good keeping beds out of our landfills.
Jump back to our national donation guide or browse other options near you.