You bought a new mattress. Great. Now the old one is leaning against the wall in the garage, and you’re wondering what to do with it.
You’re not alone — mattresses are one of the most common items people call us about. They’re bulky, awkward to move, and most regular trash services won’t take them. Here’s how to actually get rid of one in Wake County.
Why Mattresses Are Hard to Throw Away
A standard queen mattress weighs 60 to 100 pounds and doesn’t fold, compress, or fit in a trash can. Most curbside services skip them because they jam compactor trucks.
Wake County’s solid waste convenience sites do accept mattresses, but you need to haul it there yourself — which means a truck or trailer, straps, and a trip across town.
And if the mattress is stained, torn, or has bed bugs, donation isn’t an option. It needs proper disposal.
Your Options in Wake County
1. Wake County Convenience Sites
Wake County runs several drop-off sites that accept mattresses for free. You’ll need to load it, transport it, and unload it yourself.
A few things to know:
- Hours vary by location — most close by 4 or 5 PM
- Proof of Wake County residency may be required
- Box springs count separately — if you’re dropping both, that’s two items
- Check the Wake County website for current locations and hours
This works if you have a truck. If you don’t, keep reading.
2. Junk Removal Pickup
This is what most people end up doing. A crew comes to your house, carries the mattress out, and hauls it away. No truck rental, no straps, no trip to the dump.
We pick up mattresses across Wake County — usually same day or next day. If you’re replacing a bed, we can time the pickup with your delivery so the old one is gone before the new one arrives.
See our pricing guide for how mattress removal is typically priced.
3. Donation (If It’s in Good Shape)
A mattress in clean, usable condition can sometimes be donated. A few places in the area that may accept them:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore — accepts gently used mattresses
- The Salvation Army — may pick up depending on condition
- Local shelters — call ahead, as policies vary
Be honest about condition. Stains, tears, sagging, or any sign of bed bugs means donation centers will turn it away. Don’t drop off a mattress that belongs in disposal — it just shifts the problem.
4. Retailer Take-Back
Some mattress retailers will haul away your old mattress when they deliver the new one. Ask before you buy — it’s often free or a small fee, and it’s the easiest option if you’re already buying.
Check with the store. Not all locations offer this, and some charge $50-75 for the service.
What About Box Springs?
Same rules apply. Box springs are the same size and weight class as a mattress, and disposal options are identical. If you’re getting rid of both, plan for two items — most services price them separately.
What Not to Do
A few things that seem like solutions but create problems:
- Don’t leave it at the curb hoping trash service takes it. They won’t, and you may get a code violation notice.
- Don’t dump it behind a dumpster. Illegal dumping carries fines in Wake County.
- Don’t try to cut it up unless you know what’s inside. Innerspring mattresses have metal coils that are difficult and dangerous to cut through.
How We Handle Mattress Disposal
When you book a furniture removal with us, we handle everything:
- Pick up from wherever the mattress is — bedroom, garage, curb
- Load and haul away, including box springs and bed frames
- Same-day and next-day availability
- Responsible disposal or recycling where possible
One mattress or a whole bedroom set — same process.
Serving All of Wake County
We pick up mattresses in Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Morrisville, New Hill, Willow Spring, and Garner.
Ready to Get Rid of It?
Stop tripping over that mattress in the garage. Apex Junk Removal Pros can pick it up as early as today. Request a free quote and we’ll get it out of your way.