Spring Back collects old mattresses and breaks them down into reusable materials instead of sending them to landfills

Spring Back is a mattress recycling program that operates in several U.S. states. The program picks up used mattresses from your home or business, transports them to a facility, and separates the materials — foam, springs, wood, and fabric — so they can be sold to manufacturers or processors rather than discarded. You do not pay Spring Back directly; instead, the program is funded through mattress recycling fees that manufacturers and retailers build into the price of new mattresses.

Spring Back does not handle all mattress types the same way. Standard innerspring and foam mattresses are their main focus. Adjustable beds, waterbeds, and some specialty mattresses may have different pickup rules or may not be accepted at all, so you should confirm your mattress type before scheduling.

Key Takeaways

  • Spring Back operates in specific states — check their website or call to confirm service is available in your area before scheduling a pickup.
  • Pickup is usually free because the program is funded through fees paid by mattress manufacturers and retailers, not by customers.
  • You typically schedule a pickup online or by phone, and Spring Back will collect the mattress on a date that works for your schedule.
  • The mattress is transported to a facility where workers separate springs, foam, wood, and fabric so each material can be reused or recycled separately.
  • Some states require retailers to offer mattress recycling when you buy a new mattress, so ask whether Spring Back pickup is included in your purchase.

Which states and cities Spring Back serves

Spring Back operates in a limited number of states. As of now, the program runs in California, Connecticut, and New York, though service areas within those states vary by county or municipality. Not every city in these states has Spring Back service, so your location matters.

To find out whether Spring Back serves your address, visit their website and enter your zip code, or call their customer service line. If Spring Back does not serve your area, your city or county may have a different mattress recycling program, or your local waste management department can direct you to alternatives.

How to schedule a pickup

Spring Back pickups are scheduled online through their website or by phone. You will need to provide your address, the date range when you are home, and a description of the mattress (size and type). Spring Back will then assign a pickup window — usually a specific day or a two-hour timeframe — and send you a confirmation.

On pickup day, the mattress should be accessible to the driver. If it is in a bedroom upstairs or in a storage unit, let Spring Back know when you schedule so they can plan accordingly. The driver will remove the mattress and load it onto the truck. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you need to reschedule, you can usually do so through the website or by calling customer service. Cancellations and rescheduling are typically free, though policies vary by location.

What happens to your mattress after pickup

Once Spring Back collects your mattress, it is transported to a processing facility. At the facility, workers use machinery and manual labor to separate the mattress into its component materials: steel springs, foam padding, wood frames, and fabric covers.

Each material stream is then sold to different buyers. Steel springs go to scrap metal processors or manufacturers who melt them down for new products. Foam is shredded and sold to cushioning manufacturers, pet bedding producers, or insulation companies. Wood is chipped and used for mulch, animal bedding, or engineered wood products. Fabric is sorted by fiber type and sold to textile recyclers or manufacturers of industrial materials.

Very little of the mattress ends up in a landfill. Spring Back reports that their facilities divert roughly 95% of mattress material away from waste streams, though the exact percentage depends on the mattress composition and the facility's capabilities.

Cost and payment

Spring Back pickup is free to the customer. The program is funded through mattress recycling fees — typically $5 to $15 per mattress — that manufacturers and retailers pay into a fund. These fees are often passed along to consumers as part of the price of a new mattress, but you do not pay Spring Back separately when you request a pickup.

Some retailers include Spring Back pickup as part of a mattress purchase or delivery. When you buy a new mattress, ask the retailer whether they offer free haul-away of your old mattress through Spring Back or another program. Many do, and it may be included in the sale price or offered as an add-on.

Mattress types Spring Back accepts and refuses

Spring Back accepts standard innerspring mattresses, foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses (foam and springs combined), and latex mattresses. Futons and platform beds without springs are usually accepted as well.

Spring Back typically does not pick up waterbeds, adjustable electric beds, or mattresses with built-in electronics. Some facilities also refuse mattresses that are heavily stained, moldy, or infested with bed bugs, as these pose health and safety risks to workers. If your mattress falls into one of these categories, contact Spring Back directly to ask whether an exception can be made or whether they can refer you to an alternative.

What to do if Spring Back does not serve your area

If Spring Back is not available where you live, check whether your state or county runs its own mattress recycling program. Many states with mattress recycling laws — including California, Connecticut, New York, and others — operate programs similar to Spring Back or maintain lists of approved recyclers.

Your local solid waste management department or environmental agency can tell you what options exist. Some retailers and donation centers also accept mattresses, though they may charge a fee or have restrictions on mattress condition. Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations sometimes take mattresses in good condition. If you are replacing a mattress, ask the retailer delivering the new one whether they haul away the old mattress as part of the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to clean or prepare my mattress before Spring Back picks it up?

No special preparation is needed. Spring Back handles mattresses as they are. However, if your mattress is visibly moldy, heavily stained, or infested, contact Spring Back before scheduling to ask whether they will still pick it up. Some facilities refuse these mattresses for worker safety reasons.

Can Spring Back pick up a mattress that is still under warranty?

Yes. Warranty status does not affect whether Spring Back will pick up your mattress. If your mattress is defective and covered by warranty, contact the manufacturer or retailer first — they may replace it or repair it. Once you have decided to recycle it, Spring Back can collect it.

What if my mattress is too large to fit through doorways or hallways?

Spring Back drivers are trained to navigate tight spaces and can often disassemble or compress mattresses to fit through doorways. Let them know about access issues when you schedule the pickup so they can come prepared. If the mattress truly cannot be removed, Spring Back may not be able to complete the pickup.

How long does it take from pickup to the mattress being recycled?

Pickup usually happens within one to three weeks of scheduling. Once at the facility, processing typically takes one to four weeks depending on the facility's workload. You will not receive a notification when your specific mattress is processed, but Spring Back publishes overall diversion numbers on their website.

Can I donate my mattress instead of recycling it?

If your mattress is in good condition, donation is an option. Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, and local charities sometimes accept mattresses. Check their websites or call ahead, as many have strict condition requirements and may not pick up mattresses. If the mattress is worn out or damaged, recycling through Spring Back is usually the better choice.