Getting rid of an old mattress is one of the trickiest household disposal jobs. Mattresses are bulky, hard to move, rarely accepted by charities and, in many parts of British Columbia, banned from regular garbage.
The good news is that most of a mattress can be recycled. Steel springs, foam, wood and fabric can all be recovered and turned into new products. This guide explains how mattress recycling works in BC, the rules in Metro Vancouver and other regions, where to drop off or arrange pickup, typical costs, the status of a provincial recycling programme, how to prepare a mattress for recycling and tips for choosing a longer-lasting mattress.
Table of Contents
Why Mattress Recycling Matters
Mattresses take up a large amount of landfill space and do not compact well. They can also damage landfill equipment because springs tangle in machinery.
Recycling recovers valuable materials:
- Steel springs: Melted down and used to make new steel products.
- Foam: Shredded and reused as carpet underlay or padding.
- Wood frames: Chipped for mulch or fuel.
- Fabric and fibre: Used for industrial products where possible.
Most of a typical mattress can be diverted from landfill when it goes to a proper recycler.
Mattress Disposal Rules in BC
Metro Vancouver
In Metro Vancouver, mattresses cannot go in the garbage. Richmond lists examples of materials banned from the landfill including asbestos, liquids and sludges, automotive bodies and parts, and mattresses.
Loads containing banned materials face penalties. Loads containing banned materials are assessed a 50% tipping fee surcharge, which haulers may pass on to customers.
Other Regions
Many regional districts outside Metro Vancouver also separate mattresses from garbage and charge special fees to cover recycling costs. Check your local transfer station or landfill rules before dropping off a mattress.
Is There a Provincial Mattress Recycling Programme?
Not yet. BC has extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes for products such as packaging, electronics, batteries and paint, but mattresses are not currently included.
A Delayed Commitment
The province had planned to add mattresses. Local governments note that the Province of British Columbia committed in its Five-Year Extended Producer Responsibility EPR Action Plan 2021-2026 and the 2025-2028 Service Plan to regulate mattresses, but recently announced a delay citing consumer affordability.
Local Governments Push for Action
Regional districts have urged the province to move forward. In November 2025, the Cowichan Valley Regional District announced it was calling on the Province of BC to include mattresses in its Extended Producer Responsibility program, and sent a formal letter to the Ministry of Environment and Parks urging the Ministry to fulfill its commitment to a mattress Extended Producer Responsibility program.
The Capital Regional District has also weighed in, noting that local and regional governments across British Columbia (BC) have long advocated for and supported the ministry’s previous plan to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for mattresses. A 2025 Union of BC Municipalities resolution sponsored by the Comox Valley Regional District called for immediate implementation, observing that many partners, including local governments and First Nations, have been anticipating mattresses being included in extended producer responsibility EPR.
What It Means for You
Without a provincial programme, mattress recycling is funded mainly through local disposal fees and private recyclers. That means you may pay a fee when dropping off a mattress, and costs can vary between communities. The Cowichan Valley Regional District, for example, linked the delay to its decision to raise the mattress tipping fee at the CVRD Recycling Centers.
Where to Recycle a Mattress in BC
| Option | How It Works | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal transfer stations | Drop off at designated mattress areas | Fee per mattress |
| Private mattress recyclers | Drop off or arrange pickup | Fee per item |
| Municipal large item pickup | Scheduled curbside pickup in some cities | Often included or low cost |
| Retailer take-back | Old mattress removed when new one is delivered | Free or fee, depending on retailer |
| Junk removal companies | Pickup from inside your home | Higher fees |
Metro Vancouver Transfer Stations
Residents can check out the transfer stations in South Vancouver, Coquitlam, Surrey and North Vancouver to drop off your mattress, box springs or futon (for a fee). Fees vary, so check Metro Vancouver’s current tipping fee schedule before visiting.
Private Recyclers
Specialised recyclers dismantle mattresses and recover materials. Canadian Mattress Recycling is based out of Annacis Island in Delta, serving the Lower Mainland.
Municipal Programmes
Some cities make disposal easier. In Delta, mattresses and box springs will be accepted as part of the Large Item Pick-Up Program, and the Free Mattress Recycling Voucher Program is still available. Check whether your municipality offers similar services or vouchers.
Vancouver Island
In the Victoria region, mattresses and box springs are among the items handled at Hartland with specific fees, while other Island regional districts run their own recycling centres. Contact your local regional district for rates and accepted items.
Retailer Take-Back
Many mattress retailers offer to remove your old mattress when they deliver a new one. Ask whether the old mattress will be recycled and whether there is an extra charge before you buy.
How to Prepare a Mattress for Recycling
Proper preparation helps recyclers handle mattresses safely and hygienically.
- Keep it dry: Wet mattresses may be refused or charged extra. Delta notes that upholstered furniture must be dry.
- Wrap it in plastic: Delta suggests you re-use the plastic wrap from your new mattress or box spring, or buy plastic mattress bags at local home improvement stores.
- Remove bedding: Take off sheets, mattress protectors and pillows.
- Check for pests: If you suspect bedbugs, seal the mattress completely and tell the recycler or hauler.
- Secure it for transport: Tie it down firmly in a truck or trailer and tarp the load.
Can You Donate a Used Mattress?
Most charities and thrift stores do not accept used mattresses for health and safety reasons. Some exceptions may include:
- Mattresses that are nearly new and still in original packaging
- Unused mattresses from businesses, hotels or showrooms
- Specific shelters or furniture banks with special programmes
Always contact the organisation before attempting to donate a mattress.
Mattress Recycling Costs
Costs depend on location and method.
| Method | What You Pay For |
|---|---|
| Transfer station drop-off | Per-item disposal fee, plus your own transport |
| Private recycler drop-off | Per-item recycling fee |
| Municipal pickup | Often included in utility fees or a small booking fee |
| Retailer removal | May be free with purchase or charged separately |
| Junk removal service | Labour, transport and disposal fees combined |
Ways to Save
- Check for municipal vouchers or free drop-off events.
- Ask retailers to include old mattress removal in the price of a new one.
- Combine mattress disposal with other bulky items in one junk removal booking.
- Transport the mattress yourself if you have a suitable vehicle.
Illegal Dumping: Why It Is a Bad Idea
Leaving mattresses in alleys, parks or beside donation bins is illegal dumping in most BC communities. It can lead to fines, creates eyesores, and costs taxpayers money for cleanup. Property owners and strata corporations may also face cleanup costs if mattresses are dumped on their land.
Tips for Apartment and Strata Residents
Moving mattresses out of apartments can be challenging.
- Book elevator time with your building manager.
- Wrap the mattress in plastic before moving it through common areas.
- Check whether your strata has a bulky item pickup arrangement.
- Never leave mattresses in garbage rooms or parkades.
Strata councils can reduce illegal dumping by sharing disposal information with residents and arranging occasional bulky item collection events.
Mattress Recycling for Businesses
Hotels, motels, student residences, hospitals and care homes replace mattresses regularly.
- Work with a licensed mattress recycler for bulk pickups.
- Negotiate take-back services with mattress suppliers.
- Store old mattresses indoors and dry until pickup.
- Keep records of recycling for sustainability reporting.
Bulk recycling contracts can reduce costs per mattress and avoid surcharges from garbage haulers.
Choosing a Longer-Lasting Mattress
Buying a durable mattress reduces how often you need to dispose of one.
- Compare warranty length and coverage.
- Choose quality materials and construction.
- Use a waterproof mattress protector to prevent stains and damage.
- Rotate or flip your mattress as the manufacturer recommends.
- Use a supportive bed frame or foundation.
Some home insurance and credit card purchase protection policies may cover accidental damage to new furniture, so check your coverage when making a large purchase.
Final Thoughts
Mattress recycling in BC is available but not yet covered by a province-wide producer programme. In Metro Vancouver, mattresses are banned from the garbage, and residents can recycle them at transfer stations, through private recyclers such as Canadian Mattress Recycling, through municipal programmes like Delta’s large item pickup and vouchers, or through retailer take-back services.
Keep mattresses dry, wrap them in plastic, check local fees and never dump them illegally. As local governments continue pushing for a provincial EPR programme, mattress recycling may become easier and more affordable in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I put a mattress in the garbage in Metro Vancouver?
No. Mattresses are banned from disposal at Metro Vancouver facilities. Take them to a transfer station mattress area, a mattress recycler or use a municipal pickup programme.
2. Does BC have a mattress recycling programme?
Not yet at the provincial level. BC planned to add mattresses to its extended producer responsibility programme but delayed the plan, so recycling is handled by local governments and private recyclers.
3. How do I prepare a mattress for recycling?
Keep it dry, remove bedding, wrap it in plastic and secure it properly for transport. Tell the recycler if you suspect bedbugs.
