Mattresses are the hardest household item to give away. Very few charities take used ones for health reasons, so it pays to call first. The places listed here say they take mattresses or bedding.
Before you go
Call before loading one up. Most thrift stores refuse used mattresses outright.
A mattress with stains, tears or bed bugs belongs in your city's bulk trash, not a donation pile.
New, still-wrapped mattresses are welcome at many shelters.
non-powered sofas, chairs, dressers, tables, desks and bookcases
dishes, cookware, silverware and storage containers
bedding, towels and rugs up to 8x10
small kitchen appliances and countertop microwaves
flat-panel TVs 65 in. or smaller
framed mirrors and art
Not accepted: sleeper, powered or reclining sofas; cribs, bunk beds and trundle beds; china sets; CRT TVs and hanging microwaves; light fixtures and ceiling fans; anything not on the accepted list