How to Dispose of a Box Spring: Recycling, Donation, and Hauling Options

The Box Spring Disposal Challenge

Box springs are one of those items that seem impossible to get rid of. They are too large for regular trash pickup, too heavy to maneuver through doorways easily, and too bulky to fit in most vehicles. If you have recently upgraded to a platform bed or adjustable base, you are probably staring at a box spring wondering what to do with it.

The good news is that box springs are highly recyclable. They are mostly wood and steel, both of which have strong recycling markets. Here is every option for Oregon residents looking to dispose of a box spring responsibly.

Recycling a Box Spring

A standard box spring contains a wooden frame, steel springs or a steel grid, fabric covering, and sometimes a thin layer of padding. All of these materials can be recycled separately.

Recycling Facilities in Oregon

• Metro Transfer Stations (Portland area) — Both Metro South and Metro Central accept box springs. Fees run $15 to $25 depending on weight.
• Lane County facilities (Eugene) — The Glenwood Transfer Station accepts box springs along with mattresses.
• Salem-Keizer area — Marion County Transfer Station on Deer Park Drive accepts bulky items including box springs.

Most facilities process box springs the same way as mattresses. If you are getting rid of both at once, you can usually save a trip and money by bringing them together. See our mattress disposal guide for details on mattress-specific options.

Donating Your Box Spring

Box springs in good condition can be donated to the same organizations that accept mattresses.

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Accepts box springs in good condition at locations across Oregon. Some locations offer pickup.
• St. Vincent de Paul — Willamette Valley locations accept box springs that are clean and structurally sound.
• Furniture Share (Eugene) — This Lane County nonprofit furnishes homes for families transitioning out of homelessness and accepts bed components.

Always call ahead. Box springs that are stained, torn, or broken will be refused and you will have wasted a trip. For a comprehensive list of where to donate, visit our guide on where to donate furniture and appliances in Oregon.

Professional Junk Removal

If you want zero hassle, professional junk removal is the way to go. A crew arrives, carries the box spring out of your home regardless of floor level, loads it, and handles disposal.

What to Expect

• Cost: $50 to $100 for a box spring alone. Pairing it with a mattress or other furniture typically brings the per-item cost down.
• Timeline: Same-day or next-day pickup across Portland, Eugene, Salem, and surrounding areas.
• No lifting required: The crew handles stairs, tight hallways, and loading.

Bundling multiple items is the best way to get value from professional removal. If you are clearing out a bedroom or doing a larger cleanout, check our pricing page or look at our cost guide for typical pricing.

DIY Disassembly

If you are handy and want to save money, you can break down a box spring yourself. This is one of the easier large items to disassemble because the construction is straightforward.

Tools You Will Need

• Utility knife or box cutter
• Pliers or wire cutters
• Pry bar or hammer
• Work gloves (the staples are sharp)

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the fabric: Flip the box spring upside down and cut away the dust cover (the thin fabric on the bottom). Then cut and pull the outer fabric off the frame.
2. Remove staples: Use pliers to pull out the staples holding fabric to the frame. There will be a lot of them.
3. Extract the springs: If it has coil springs, use wire cutters to clip them free from the frame. If it is a steel grid, unbolt or pry it off.
4. Break down the frame: The wooden frame can usually be pulled apart by hand or with a pry bar. Stack the wood pieces.
5. Sort materials: Wood goes in yard debris or can be taken to a transfer station. Steel springs go to a scrap metal recycler (you might even get a few dollars for them). Fabric goes in regular trash.

The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes and reduces a bulky item into materials that fit in your regular bins or a single car trip to a recycler.

Curbside Bulky Pickup

Like mattresses, box springs qualify for bulky item pickup through most Oregon waste haulers. Contact your hauler to schedule a pickup date. Expect to pay $25 to $40 and wait one to two weeks for the pickup window.

You will need to get the box spring to the curb yourself, which is the main drawback of this option. Box springs are lighter than mattresses but can be awkward to carry through doorways. Having a second person to help is recommended.

Oregon Transfer Stations

Self-hauling to a transfer station is affordable if you have the vehicle for it. A box spring fits in the bed of a standard pickup truck. If you only have a car, consider the DIY disassembly route first to break it down into manageable pieces.

Costs by Area

Fees are typically based on weight. A single box spring usually falls within the minimum charge.

Cost Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a box spring in a dumpster?

Only in your own dumpster, and even then the hauler may refuse to empty it if the box spring prevents the lid from closing. Using someone else's dumpster without permission is illegal in Oregon.

Do scrap metal recyclers take box springs?

Most will not take a whole box spring, but they will take the steel springs or grid if you extract them. The metal is worth a small amount as scrap — enough to cover the effort if you enjoy DIY projects.

What if my box spring does not have springs?

Modern foundation-style box springs use a wood frame with slats instead of coils. These are even easier to disassemble. The wood can go in yard debris or to a transfer station, and the fabric covering goes in regular trash.

Should I get rid of the box spring and mattress together?

Yes, if possible. Most disposal options offer better pricing when you bundle items. Professional furniture removal services typically charge less per item when you have multiple pieces.