There are many donation agencies across the country that would consider taking your mattress off your hands. So, instead of adding to a local landfill with your mattress, you really could do something good with it (and something good for the environment). What's that old saying - "One man's trash is another man's treasure"? Well, this is a prime example of that. Typically, if your mattress is still in reasonable shape, with no noticeable stains or structural problems, then many organizations will take them. Many of them will even arrange to pick up the mattress from you! Some agencies will not take a mattress without its foundation, so you'll have to clear that up with them prior to the donation. If you buy a new mattress, and they offer free mattress pick up (where they typically discard the old mattress), try the donation route first with your old mattress. Just think, by doing something kind like this, it just might help you sleep better at night!

Agencies to consider for mattress donation:

• National Furniture Bank Association (http://www.nationalfurniturebank.org/)
• Furniture Banks Across America (http://furniturebanks.org, partnered with National Furniture Bank Association 
• Catholic Charities (http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/)
• Local homeless (http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/) or battered women's shelters

Larger organizations like Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity typically will not accept mattresses due to sanitary bedding law and hygienic concerns. I have had experience with a few Salvation Army locations that will accept mattresses, however, if the mattress doesn't have any spots or stains, so you'll have to call and see what their criteria are for each location.