How BedShred.com Works and What to Do With Old Mattresses in South Carolina

BedShred.com is an online marketplace that connects people with old mattresses to recycling facilities and donation centers

BedShred.com is a website where you enter your zip code, describe your mattress, and see local options for getting rid of it—whether that means donating it, recycling it, or having it hauled away. You do not pay through the site itself. Instead, BedShred shows you which facilities near you will take your mattress and what each one charges, if anything. You then contact the facility directly to arrange pickup or drop-off.

The site exists because mattresses are bulky, heavy, and most curbside trash services will not take them. South Carolina does not have a statewide mattress recycling program, so your options depend entirely on what your city or county offers and what private recyclers operate in your area. BedShred aggregates those options in one place so you do not have to call ten different places to find out who will take your mattress.

Key Takeaways

• BedShred.com shows you local mattress recycling and donation options by zip code, but you contact the facility directly to arrange the transaction.
• Some facilities charge a fee to take your mattress; others accept it for free if it is still in good condition.
• Donation is usually free if your mattress is clean and usable, while recycling facilities may charge $10 to $50 depending on the facility and your location.
• You will need to either drop off the mattress yourself or pay for a separate hauling service if the facility does not offer pickup.
• South Carolina has no statewide mattress program, so availability varies widely between urban and rural areas.

What information you enter on BedShred.com

When you visit the site, you start by typing in your zip code. The site then asks you to describe your mattress—the size (twin, full, queen, king), its condition (like new, good, fair, poor), and whether it is a standard innerspring, memory foam, or hybrid. You may also be asked whether the mattress has stains, odors, or damage.

Based on that information, BedShred shows you a list of nearby options. Each listing includes the facility name, address, phone number, and whether there is a cost. Some listings also show whether the facility offers pickup service or whether you need to drop off the mattress yourself. The site does not book the appointment for you—you call or visit the facility's website to arrange the details.

Donation versus recycling: which option appears on BedShred

BedShred lists both donation centers and recycling facilities. A donation center typically wants a mattress that is still usable—clean, no major stains, no rips or tears. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local charities sometimes accept mattresses, though policies vary. Donation is usually free, and some charities will pick up if your mattress meets their condition standards.

A recycling facility takes mattresses in any condition and breaks them down into components: foam, springs, wood, and fabric. These materials are then sold to manufacturers or processed into new products. Recycling facilities almost always charge a fee, typically $10 to $50 per mattress depending on the facility and your county. Some South Carolina counties run their own recycling programs through solid waste departments; others rely on private recyclers.

If your mattress is in poor condition—heavily stained, torn, or odorous—recycling is usually your only option. If it is still clean and usable, donation is often free and keeps the mattress out of the waste stream entirely.

Pickup and drop-off logistics

BedShred shows you whether each facility offers pickup, but pickup is not may provide. Many donation centers and some recycling facilities will pick up for free or a small fee if you live within their service area. Others require you to drop off the mattress yourself. If a facility does not offer pickup and you cannot transport the mattress, you will need to hire a separate junk removal service like 1-800-Got-Junk or a local hauler—that service charges separately and is not part of BedShred.

If you are dropping off yourself, confirm the facility's hours and whether they have a receiving area for large items. Some facilities require you to call ahead or schedule a drop-off time. Mattresses are awkward to transport; if you do not have a truck or trailer, ask whether the facility can accommodate a passenger vehicle or whether you need to rent a truck.

Costs and what to expect

Donation is free if the mattress qualifies. Recycling fees in South Carolina range from no charge (rare) to $50 or more, depending on the facility and your location. Urban areas like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville tend to have more options and sometimes lower fees because there is higher volume. Rural areas may have fewer facilities and higher per-mattress costs.

If you use a junk removal service instead of BedShred, expect to pay $75 to $200 for pickup and disposal, depending on the service and your location. BedShred itself does not charge you; it is a free directory. The cost comes from the facility or hauler you choose.

When BedShred may not have options for your area

In rural South Carolina counties, BedShred may show no results or very limited options. This happens because recycling infrastructure is sparse outside major cities. If you see no options on BedShred, contact your county solid waste department directly—they often know of facilities that may not be listed online, or they may accept mattresses at a county landfill or transfer station for a fee.

You can also call your city or county public works department and ask where residents dispose of mattresses. Some municipalities have seasonal collection events or partnerships with recyclers that are not widely advertised. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) maintains a list of solid waste facilities by county on their website, which may include mattress recyclers.

Alternatives if BedShred does not work for you

If BedShred shows no nearby options or the fees are too high, you have other routes. Post the mattress on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist if it is in good condition—someone may pick it up for free. Contact local charities, shelters, or churches directly; some accept mattresses even if they are not listed on BedShred. Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations in South Carolina sometimes take mattresses in decent condition.

If the mattress is unusable and you cannot find a recycler, your last resort is a junk removal service. These are more expensive but will haul away the mattress and dispose of it properly. Never leave a mattress on the curb for regular trash pickup unless your municipality explicitly allows it—most do not, and you may face a fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BedShred charge a fee to use the site?

No. BedShred is a free directory. You do not pay the site. You pay only the facility or hauler you choose from the list, if they charge at all.

Can I donate a mattress with stains or minor damage?

It depends on the charity. Most donation centers want mattresses that are clean and in usable condition. Call ahead and describe the stain or damage; some charities have flexibility, and others do not. Recycling is always an option if donation falls through.

What if I need the mattress picked up but BedShred shows no pickup available?

You can hire a separate junk removal service, which will charge a fee for pickup and disposal. Alternatively, contact your county solid waste department to ask whether they offer pickup or know of a local hauler that does.

Is recycling better than donation?

Donation is better if the mattress is usable, because it keeps the mattress in circulation and is usually free. Recycling is necessary if the mattress is damaged or stained, and it recovers materials like foam and springs for reuse. Both are better than sending a mattress to a landfill.

How long does it take to arrange pickup or drop-off?

That varies by facility. Some can pick up within a few days; others may have a wait. Call the facility directly after finding it on BedShred to ask about their timeline and availability.