Mattresses and pillows are among the most difficult items to responsibly dispose at the end of their useful life. We know of no resources in the area for true mattress recycling and only one (mail-in) option for pillow recycling. A few options exist for donating mattresses or pillows in good condition.

Though mattress recycling is difficult, it is not impossible, and we would like to higlight the incredible work by Avenues of Life in Kansas City, which ran a mattress recycling program for 10 years, ending in 2023. In that time, they recycled over 650,000 mattresses and diverted 66 million pounds of waste from the landfill. It's an incredible success story, and we hope that some day another local organization will pick up the mantle.

Mattresses

The Topeka Rescue Mission accepts mattresses in good condition purchased in 2007 or newer. Donations are accepted at their Distribution Center (401 NW Norris) between 8:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

Sleephead Beds in Kansas City accepts certain types and sizes of mattresses in good condition.

Pillows

Pillows in very good condition can be donated to some thrift stores, but check before donating to make sure they will accept them. Don't put the burden of disposal on the thrift store!

The only outlet we currently know of for recycling stuffed textiles such as pillows or stuffed animals is the TerraCycle "Stuffed Animals Zero-Waste Box," which you can purchase as an individual. (Full Circle Sustainability does not accept stuffed textiles through their TerraCycle drop-off program.)