How to Get Rid of a Box Spring: (5 Paid & Free Options)
Trying to get rid of an old box spring and not sure where to start? As experts in the disposal and recycling industry, we’ve gathered all the info for you.
This guide gives you all the nationwide options for box spring disposal, detailing the costs and pros/cons of each. We’ll help you find the solution that fits your budget, time, and environmental considerations.
CONSIDER THE CONDITION OF YOUR BOX SPRING:
The condition of your box spring will dictate the most suitable disposal method. If it’s still in decent shape, selling or donating are viable options. However, a worn-out box spring will need to be recycled or sent to a landfill.
Quick Summary:
Box Spring Disposal Options
5 PAID OPTIONS:
1. Bedder World’s Nationwide Curbside Mattress + Box Spring Recycling
(picked up from outside your home) – Book a pickup here
Avg. Price = $100
2. Local Trash Service – Bulky Item Collection
(prices vary greatly and are sometimes vague)
Price = $0- $100+
3. Drop off at the Landfill:
Prices vary around the country. Some landfills charge extra for mattresses and box springs
Avg. Price = $40-$100
4. Drop-off at a Mattress & Box Spring Recycling Center
Check here to see if your town has a recycling drop-off location
Avg. Price = $15-$30/piece
5. Junk Removal Service:
Hiring a professional junk removal company for box spring pickup & disposal generally costs the most
Avg. Price = $100-$200
FREE OPTIONS:
- Donate it: (most do not accept box springs but if yours is somewhat new and in good condition this could be worth a shot)
- Sell or Giveaway on Craigslist of Facebook: Be sure to take nice pictures
- DIY Box Spring Recycling: (See how to recycle your own box spring here)
5 Paid Options for Box Spring Removal:
1. Bedder World (Nationwide Curbside Mattress & Box Spring Recycling Service)
Cost: $100 on average
To schedule a pickup, click here.
- Cost: The cost for their pick-up service is around $100, depending on your location.
- Considerations: This option ensures your box spring is recycled and keeps it out of the landfill. Scheduling a pickup is very easy through the online platform.
- Suitable for: Those who are willing to pay a little more for convenience and eco-friendliness.
A Bedder World stands out as an excellent choice for nationwide box spring recycling. It offers unparalleled convenience – you can simply book a pickup online, leave your box spring out on the scheduled day, and their team takes care of the rest.
What sets A Bedder World apart is its commitment to eco-friendliness. Instead of your box spring contributing to landfill waste, A Bedder World focuses on recycling, with over 1 million mattresses recycled to date.
The service spans across the entire United States, making it a viable option for individuals, no matter their location. In terms of cost, this service is competitively priced at around $100 per pickup, providing great value considering the convenience and environmental benefits.
2. Use Your Local Garbage Service for Bulky Item Removal:
Cost: Free to $100+
- Cost: Depends largely on your local garbage service.
- Considerations: Schedule the pick-up in advance, and there may be restrictions on how many items they'll pick up.
- Suitable for: Those who prefer a convenient option and want to keep costs low.
Utilizing the bulky item collection service from your local trash company can be an efficient way to dispose of your box spring. Many waste management companies offer this type of service to handle large items that don’t fit in your regular trash bin.
To use this service, you typically need to call your waste management company and schedule a pickup. They will provide instructions on when and where to place your box spring for collection, usually at the curb outside your home.
While this method is convenient, there might be a nominal fee involved, so it’s wise to ask about costs when scheduling.
Also, keep in mind that this method will likely result in your box spring ending up in a landfill, so it might not be the best option if you’re seeking an environmentally friendly solution. However, for those seeking a straightforward and easy disposal option, this could be a solid choice.
3. Drop off at the Landfill
Cost: $30-$90
- Cost: Typically, you'll pay between $30 and $80 depending on the landfill's fees and the size of the box spring.
- Considerations: It involves some physical labor and time commitment, and isn't the most environmentally-friendly option.
- Suitable for: Those who have the means to transport the box spring themselves and are on a budget.
Choosing to dispose of your box spring at your local landfill is another viable option, especially if you have access to suitable transportation.
The process is relatively simple. First, you’ll need to do a little bit of research to find out the specifics of your local landfill site, such as its location, operating hours, and any specific rules or guidelines they may have for dropping off items like box springs.
Once you have the necessary details, you’ll need to safely load your box spring onto a vehicle. This typically requires a pickup truck, van, or a similar vehicle that can accommodate the size of the box spring.
Be sure to secure it properly to avoid any risk during transit.
When you arrive at the landfill, follow the signs and instructions for where to unload your box spring. Keep in mind that landfills generally charge a fee for disposing of large items, so you should also inquire about this ahead of time to avoid any surprises.
This method of disposal requires some effort and time, but it can be a cost-effective solution if you have the means to transport the box spring yourself.
4. Recycling Center Drop Off
Cost: $20-$30/piece
To check if your town has a mattress/box spring recycling drop-off location, click here.
- Cost: Recycling fees usually range from $10 to $30 per box spring.
- Considerations: You need to transport the box spring to the recycling center yourself. You can find a local center through ByeByeMattress.com.
- Suitable for: Those who are environmentally conscious, have a tight budget, and can transport the box spring.
ByeByeMattress.com is a practical resource for finding local box spring recycling centers.
This service is particularly beneficial if you are willing and able to transport the box spring yourself.
To use it, you simply go to their website and input your zip code into their search tool. It will then provide a list of recycling facilities or drop-off centers in your vicinity that accept mattresses and box springs for recycling.
It’s important to note that the centers listed are independently operated, so it’s advisable to call ahead to verify their operating hours, disposal fees, and if they are currently accepting box springs.
This can be a highly cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for box spring disposal, provided you have the means to transport your box spring to the chosen drop-off center.
5. Professional Junk Removal Service
Cost: $100-$250
- Cost: Prices can range from $100 to $150 depending on your location and the company.
- Considerations: This is a less environmentally friendly option as most junk is disposed of in landfills.
- Suitable for: Those who value convenience over cost and are less concerned about the environmental impact.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution, choosing a local junk removal company for your box spring disposal could be an excellent choice.
These companies offer services specifically designed to handle bulky items like box springs. Typically, the process involves you making a call or booking an appointment online.
The company then sends a team to your location at the scheduled time to pick up your box spring. They handle all the heavy lifting, transporting, and disposing, which can save you significant time and effort.
While this service does involve a cost, often ranging from $100 to $200 depending on the company and location, many people find the convenience and peace of mind worth the price.
It’s a practical choice, especially for those who value convenience or have physical limitations that make it difficult to handle such a large item.
3 FREE Options for Mattress Removal:
1. Donation
- Cost: Usually free. Some charities even offer free pick-up services.
- Considerations: The box spring MUST be in GOOD condition. Even if it is in good condition, not all charities accept box springs due to sanitary regulations.
- Suitable for: Those who would like their old box spring to have a second life and help out someone in need.
Donation centers can be an excellent choice for box spring disposal, particularly if your box spring is still in usable condition. By choosing to donate, you not only dispose of your item, but you also contribute positively to your community. Many donation centers even offer pickup services, adding a layer of convenience to this option.
Before choosing this route, it’s important to ensure that the donation center accepts box springs, as many DO NOT due to sanitary regulations. Large, nationwide organizations like the Salvation Army or Habitat for Humanity often accept furniture donations and offer pickup services. Local charities, homeless shelters, or thrift stores like Goodwill may also accept box springs, providing they are in good condition.
It’s worth noting that donation is not only a method of disposal but also an act of giving. If your box spring is in good shape and you want it to serve a good cause, donation centers provide an excellent pathway for extending its life to benefit others in your community.
2. Online Sale or Giveaway
- Cost: Free OR you might even make some money if your box spring is in good condition.
- Considerations: Be prepared to negotiate price and handle inquiries and meetings. Ensure you have a method to transport the box spring or specify that the buyer needs to pick it up.
- Suitable for: Those with a usable box spring who don't mind spending a bit of time managing the sale or giveaway process.
Platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can be great resources for getting rid of your old box spring. Whether you’re interested in making a little money through a sale or simply want to give it away, these platforms connect you with potential local buyers. Make sure to take high-quality pictures and provide a detailed description to increase its appeal.
3. DIY Box Spring Recycling
- Cost: This option is free, sometimes the recycling facilities that you drop materials at will even pay you by weight.
- Considerations: Be prepared to spend some time and effort on this. You'll need basic tools to dismantle the box spring, and you'll need to identify the correct local facilities for recycling the metal, wood, and fabric components.
- Suitable for: Those who have the time, enjoy DIY projects, and want to ensure the box spring is responsibly recycled.
For the DIY enthusiasts, recycling your old box spring at home can be a rewarding and cost-effective method of disposal. This process might require a bit of effort and time but comes at no cost. If you’re interested in learning how to recycle your own box spring, click here.
Box Spring Disposal vs. Recycling:
Disposing of a box spring in a landfill is often quicker and easier but contributes to environmental degradation. On the other hand, recycling is more labor-intensive and can come with a cost but significantly reduces environmental impact.
While cost is a factor to consider, environmental implications should not be overlooked. Landfills are quickly filling up, and the materials in box springs, such as wood and metal, can be recycled and reused, reducing the demand for new materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I just leave my old box spring on the curb?
This depends on your local waste management services. Some municipalities offer curbside pickup for bulky items like box springs, but it usually needs to be scheduled in advance. Always check with your local waste management facility before leaving large items on the curb.
2. Is it illegal to dump a box spring?
In most areas, it’s illegal to dump large items like box springs in places other than designated waste disposal facilities. Not only can it harm the environment, but it could also lead to hefty fines.
3. Can I burn my old box spring?
It’s generally not recommended to burn your box spring. It can release harmful chemicals into the air, and in many areas, it’s illegal to burn large items like furniture.
4. What do I do if my box spring is infested with bed bugs?
If your box spring is infested with bed bugs, it’s important to handle it carefully to avoid spreading the bugs. Seal it in a bed bug-proof encasement before moving it. Then, contact a professional pest control service or your local waste management facility to learn how to dispose of it safely.
5. Can I recycle my box spring if it’s damaged?
Yes, even damaged box springs can be recycled. The metal, wood, and sometimes even the foam can be recovered and reused.
6. Are there any charitable organizations that accept used box springs?
Yes, some charitable organizations accept used box springs, provided they’re in good condition. It’s always best to call ahead and confirm before dropping off your used items.
7. Can I make money from my old box spring?
If your box spring is still in good condition, you might be able to sell it on online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Remember to take good photos and write a detailed description to increase your chances of making a sale.
Conclusion:
Whether you choose to dispose of or recycle your box spring, there are options to suit your needs. Remember, the choice isn’t just about cost and convenience but also about contributing to a more sustainable future. Be sure to weigh all these factors when deciding on the best method for your box spring’s end-of-life journey.
