Mattress Disposal Brantford: How to Get Rid of Your Old Mattress

Why Mattress Disposal Is Harder Than It Should Be

You cannot just put a mattress at the curb on regular garbage day. It will sit there. The regular garbage truck does not take it. This surprises a lot of people who buy a new mattress and then realize they have no plan for the old one sitting in their bedroom.

Mattresses are large, awkward, and contain materials that require specific handling. Most end up in landfills, though some components can be recycled. Getting them there requires some planning.

Your Disposal Options in Brantford

City of Brantford Large Item Pickup

Brantford offers scheduled large item collection for residents. Mattresses qualify as large items. You do not need to call ahead or schedule a special pickup. You just need to know your collection date.

Here is how it works:

• Check your waste collection calendar for your large item pickup week
• Place the mattress at the curb by 7 AM on your collection day
• Keep it as dry as possible. A wet mattress becomes much heavier and harder to handle
• If you have a box spring too, put it out at the same time

The city collects large items on a rotating schedule, typically every few weeks depending on your area. Check the City of Brantford website or call 519-759-4150 for your specific collection dates.

Brantford Landfill Drop-Off

If you cannot wait for the next pickup date, you can take your mattress directly to the landfill. The Brantford-Brant Landfill accepts mattresses from residents.

You will need:

• A vehicle that can transport the mattress (truck, van, or SUV with seats down)
• Help loading and unloading. A queen mattress weighs 60-100 pounds
• Proof of residency may be required
• Payment for disposal fees (rates vary, check current pricing)

The landfill is located on Rest Acres Road. Call ahead to confirm hours and current fees.

Donation (If in Good Condition)

If your mattress is still in decent shape, someone else might use it. Donation keeps it out of the landfill and helps someone who needs it.

However, most charities have strict standards for mattress donations:

• No stains, tears, or significant wear
• No bed bug history
• Less than 10 years old in most cases
• No strong odours

Call before donating. Many charities, including local thrift stores and shelters, will not accept mattresses at all due to hygiene concerns and liability. If yours qualifies, it can find a second home. If it does not, other disposal options are your path.

Retailer Removal

When you buy a new mattress, many retailers offer to remove your old one. At Mattress Miracle, we can take your old mattress when we deliver your new one. This eliminates the hassle of figuring out disposal yourself.

This works well because:

• The delivery team is already at your home with a truck
• They can handle the heavy lifting
• Your old mattress leaves the same day your new one arrives
• You do not need to wait for city pickup or rent a truck

Ask about mattress removal when you purchase. The team can haul away your old mattress and box spring so you are not left with disposal logistics.

What About Mattress Recycling?

Mattresses contain materials that can theoretically be recycled: steel springs, foam, cotton, and wood. Some provinces have mattress recycling programs. Ontario does not currently have a comprehensive mattress recycling mandate.

Some private companies offer mattress recycling, but availability in Brantford is limited and costs can be significant. For most people, landfill disposal through the city remains the practical option.

If recycling is important to you, search for mattress recycling services in the Hamilton or GTA area. You may need to transport the mattress yourself or pay for pickup.

Bed Bug Concerns

If your mattress has bed bugs, disposal requires extra care:

• Wrap the mattress in plastic before moving it
• Mark it clearly as infested so others do not take it
• Do not donate or sell a mattress with bed bug history
• The landfill will accept it, but inform them of the situation

Bed bugs spread easily. Responsible disposal protects your neighbours and the community.

Cost Comparison

Here is a rough idea of what each option costs:

• City large item pickup: Free with your regular waste collection service
• Landfill drop-off: Varies, typically $10-30 plus your time and vehicle
• Donation: Free if accepted, but options are limited
• Retailer removal: Often included with delivery or available for an additional fee
• Private hauling services: $50-150 depending on service

The city pickup is the cheapest option if you can wait for your scheduled date. Retailer removal is the most convenient if you are buying a new mattress anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Dispose of Your Old Mattress in Brantford

Getting rid of an old mattress in Brantford takes a bit of planning. Here are your best options for responsible disposal.

Step 1: Check if Your Retailer Offers Removal Service

When you buy a new mattress, many stores will haul away your old one for free or a small fee ($25-$75). Ask about this before purchasing. At Mattress Miracle (441 1/2 West Street), we include old mattress removal with delivery when you buy from us. It's the easiest option since they take it the same day your new mattress arrives.

Step 2: Schedule a Bulk Item Pickup with the City of Brantford

Brantford residents get two free large item pickups per year. Call the Public Works department at 519-759-4150 to schedule. Place your mattress at the curb on your collection day (not before, to avoid fines). Wrap it in plastic if possible to keep it dry. This service doesn't include box springs in the same pickup, you'll need to schedule separately or use a tag.

Step 3: Take It to the Household Hazardous Waste Depot

The County of Brant Household Hazardous Waste Depot (Paris Fairgrounds location) accepts mattresses from Brantford residents on scheduled collection days. Check the current schedule at brant.ca/waste since dates change seasonally. Bring proof of residency. There's no fee, but you'll need a vehicle large enough to transport the mattress.

Step 4: Donate If the Mattress is in Good Condition

Habitat for Humanity ReStore and local charities sometimes accept gently used mattresses (no stains, tears, or sagging). Call ahead to confirm they're accepting mattresses currently, since donation policies change. The mattress should be less than 5 years old and clean. Most charities won't pick up, so you'll need to drop it off.

Step 5: Hire a Junk Removal Service

Companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or local haulers will pick up your mattress same-day or next-day for $80-$150. They handle loading and disposal for you. This is the fastest option if you need it gone immediately and don't have a truck. Search "junk removal Brantford" to compare prices and availability.

Step 6: Avoid Illegal Dumping

Don't leave mattresses in alleys, parks, or vacant lots. Illegal dumping carries fines up to $5,000 in Brantford. Don't put mattresses in regular curbside garbage, the collection crew won't take them. If you're struggling to afford disposal, call the city to ask about fee assistance programs.

Step 7: Consider Recycling or Upcycling

Some mattress components can be recycled (metal springs, foam, fabric). Check if local scrap yards accept old mattresses for the metal. Crafty folks have repurposed mattress foam for pet beds, cushions, or packing material. This takes effort but keeps materials out of landfills if you're motivated.

How to Dispose of Your Old Mattress in Brantford

Step 1: Check If Your Retailer Offers Removal

Before looking at other options, ask if your mattress retailer provides removal when delivering your new mattress. At Mattress Miracle, we take away your old mattress when we deliver your new one, saving you the hassle of disposal. This service is often included or available for a small fee. Call us at 519-770-0001 to confirm removal service for your Brantford delivery. This is the easiest option if you are buying a new mattress anyway.

Step 2: Schedule City of Brantford Bulk Item Pickup

If you are not buying a new mattress, contact the City of Brantford for bulk item collection. Brantford residents can schedule large item pickup through municipal waste services. Check the city website or call their waste management department for current scheduling and fees. You will need to place the mattress at the curb on your designated pickup day. Wrap it in plastic if rain is forecast, wet mattresses are heavier and harder to handle.

Step 3: Deliver to Brantford Household Waste Depot

Take your mattress directly to the Brantford household waste depot if you have a truck or trailer. The depot accepts mattresses and box springs from Brantford residents. You will need to show proof of Brantford residency. Check current hours of operation before heading there, they vary by season. There may be a small disposal fee. This option works well if you want immediate removal rather than waiting for scheduled pickup.

Step 4: Consider Donation If In Good Condition

Donate your mattress if it is clean, unstained, and less than 8 years old. Contact Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salvation Army, or local shelters to ask about mattress donations. Many have strict cleanliness requirements due to health regulations. Some organizations offer pickup for large items. Be honest about the condition, most will not accept mattresses with stains, tears, or sagging. A gently used mattress can help someone in need.

Step 5: List for Free on Local Classifieds

Post your mattress on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace as a free item. Be clear about the condition, age, and size. Include photos showing any wear or stains honestly. Some people need a temporary mattress for guests or moving situations. Require pickup only, do not offer delivery. Meet outside your home for safety. This option works best for mattresses in decent shape that do not qualify for donation.

Step 6: Hire a Junk Removal Service

If other options do not work, hire a local junk removal company. Services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or local Brantford haulers will pick up your mattress from inside your home. Expect to pay $75 to $150 depending on the service and access difficulty. They handle all the loading and disposal. This is the most expensive option but requires zero effort on your part. Book at least a few days in advance for scheduling.

Step 7: Prepare Mattress for Removal

Regardless of disposal method, prepare your mattress properly. Strip all bedding, sheets, and mattress protectors. Wrap the mattress in plastic or a mattress bag to protect handlers and prevent pest spread. Secure with tape. Measure doorways and hallways if you need to remove it yourself. Get help lifting, mattresses are awkward and heavier than they look. Never drag a mattress, you can damage floors or tear the fabric. When your new mattress arrives from Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street, we handle all of this for you.

Getting a New Mattress?

If you are replacing your old mattress, we can make disposal easy. Ask about having your old mattress removed when we deliver your new one. One less thing to figure out.

Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
519-770-0001
Family owned since 1987