Where to start
A clean, gently used mattress may be useful to a person or organization that explicitly accepts it, but many San Diego charities cannot take used mattresses. Contact the recipient before loading your vehicle. If donation is not possible, the City of San Diego offers free drop-off of eligible mattresses and box springs for recycling at its Miramar collection site.
Correction: Father Joe’s Villages lists mattresses and box springs among the items it does not accept. An earlier version of this guide incorrectly said otherwise.
Donation options to contact
Bridge of Hope SD says it needs gently used beds and furniture for families in transition. Its FAQ does not specify which used mattresses it can accept, so call 858-380-7993 or email info@bridgeofhopesd.org to confirm your exact item, condition and delivery or pickup arrangements before offering it.
San Diego Rescue Mission currently requests new, unused essentials including twin sheets and blankets. Its published list does not establish that it accepts used mattresses; contact the mission before offering one.
Friends, family or local mutual-aid groups may also be interested in a clean bed. Describe its condition honestly and confirm that the recipient wants it before arranging a transfer.
Organizations with restrictions
- Father Joe’s Villages lists mattresses and box springs as not accepted.
- San Diego Habitat for Humanity ReStores says it does not accept mattresses or box springs.
- Brother Benno’s says it does not accept used mattresses.
- Homefront San Diego says it does not accept used mattresses. Check current guidance for other furniture and new items.
Policies and capacity can change. Check a recipient’s current list and ask about the specific item instead of assuming a furniture pickup includes mattresses.
Is your mattress suitable to donate?
- It is clean and dry, without strong odors, stains, tears, exposed springs or serious sagging.
- There is no known pest infestation or suspected bedbug exposure. Do not pass an infested mattress to another household.
- Its size and age are disclosed, and the recipient has agreed to accept it.
- The law label remains attached if the organization requires it.
Criteria differ by recipient. Do not leave a mattress at a donation site unless the organization has agreed to accept it.
Free mattress recycling at Miramar
The City of San Diego mattress collection site accepts eligible mattresses and box springs for free at 5161 Convoy St., San Diego, CA 92111, on the east side of the Miramar Landfill entrance. The city currently lists hours of Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.; it is closed weekends and specified holidays. Verify hours before leaving.
The city says items must have been used and discarded in California and cannot be wet, severely damaged, twisted, frozen, soiled or infested with bedbugs. Do not leave them in a plastic bag or cardboard box at the collection site. Futon mattresses must be detached from their frames; crib mattresses, toppers and loose bedding are not accepted there. Landfill fees may apply when mattresses are brought with other waste.
For other locations, use the Bye Bye Mattress facility finder and confirm each site’s hours and requirements. This is recycling, not a charity donation.
Pickup and retailer take-back
If you are purchasing a mattress for delivery, the Mattress Recycling Council says California retailers must offer to take back an old mattress at no additional cost, subject to conditions and exceptions; ask the seller how and when to arrange it. Delivery and setup fees for the new purchase may still apply. Read the retailer take-back FAQ for details.
The city states that Bye Bye Mattress does not provide individual curbside pickup and the City of San Diego does not offer bulky-item curbside pickup. Other cities and haulers may have different services, so check your own jurisdiction. A private service can be convenient but may charge; ask for the total, the intended destination and its policy for contaminated items.
Check LoadUp removal options if you want a paid pickup quote. This is an affiliate link and Yawnder may earn a commission.
Wet, soiled or infested mattresses
Do not offer an infested mattress for reuse or leave it at a recycling site that rejects it. The city directs severely contaminated or damaged mattresses to trash disposal. Ask the city, your local waste hauler or a licensed pest professional for handling, wrapping and disposal instructions, including any fees, before moving the item.
Related resources: San Diego mattress pickup and recycling and Yawnder delivery information.
Common questions
Does Father Joe’s take mattresses?
No. Its current published list excludes mattresses and box springs.
Is Miramar mattress drop-off free?
Yes for eligible mattresses and box springs at the collection site; charges may apply if brought with other waste.
Can I donate a mattress with bedbugs?
No. Contact local waste services or a pest professional for safe handling and disposal.