Where does the old mattress go?
There are three routes: take it to the collection point or recycling yard yourself (usually chargeable by size), use the municipality's bulky-waste collection with a sticker, or have it picked up. A mattress does not belong in normal household waste — it is too voluminous and is processed separately at the collection point or in the incinerator.
Why mattresses are not donated
Charity shops practically never take used mattresses for hygiene reasons — unlike furniture. Reselling is also unusual. For you this means: a mattress is almost always a pure disposal case, not a reuse case. That makes the decision easier — it is only about the cheapest and most convenient disposal route.
Cost per mattress and for several (guide figures 2026)
For a pickup from your flat, a single mattress sits at a guide figure of CHF 40–90, excl. VAT 8.1%, depending on size, floor and lift. At the collection point it is a few francs per item depending on the municipality. Several mattresses, or a mattress plus bed frame together, are cheaper per item than a single pickup.
Dispose of mattress and bed frame together
Whoever gets rid of the mattress often has the bed to dispose of too. It pays to bundle: a slatted base and a bed frame usually come along in the pickup without much extra. State in your request what needs to go in total — that keeps the quote realistic and you do not pay twice for the trip.
Frequently asked questions
- What does mattress disposal cost?
- Pickup from your flat: guide figure CHF 40–90 per mattress (excl. VAT 8.1%), depending on size, floor and lift. At the collection point, a few francs per item when self-transporting.
- Can I put a mattress in household waste?
- No. A mattress is too voluminous for the rubbish bag and belongs at the collection point, in bulky-waste collection or in a pickup.
- Does a charity shop take used mattresses?
- As a rule no — for hygiene reasons. A mattress is almost always a disposal case, not a donation case.
- Are several mattresses cheaper?
- Yes. Collecting several mattresses, or a mattress with the bed, together is cheaper per item than separate trips.
- What if I only have a single mattress?
- Then the collection point or bulky-waste collection is often cheaper than a pickup. The request costs nothing — you compare and decide yourself.