At times we are compensated for the links you click at no cost to you. Learn more about why you should trust our reviews and view our disclosure page.
You want to get rid of your old mattress and you’re thinking of burning it. Can it be done? Is it safe? Is it even legal? We answer all these questions for you below. Before you set your mattress on fire, read the full article to find out if it really is a valid mattress disposal option.
Can you burn a mattress?
We absolutely DO NOT recommend burning a mattress because it will cause severe problems for the environment and your health. Mattresses are extremely flammable and setting one on fire is DANGEROUS and should not be done under any circumstances.
We understand that mattress disposal isn’t always an easy process. But you should avoid burning a mattress at all costs. The adverse effects of doing so far outweigh the benefits.
Aside from environmental reasons, you should also be aware that burning a mattress can have legal repercussions depending on which state you live in. I’ll discuss this a bit more in the next section.
Is it illegal to burn a mattress?
Burning mattresses is illegal in states like Texas, Michigan, and many others. Though some states still don’t have strict rules on burning a mattress, it is hazardous to people’s health and the environment.
If you burn a mattress on state land or in a public place, you can be subjected to fines and penalties. Even if you burn a mattress in your own backyard, the toxic fumes released by a burning mattress will still spread out to other areas. This could cause health concerns for you and the people who are living close by.
What happens when you burn a foam mattress?
Since both polyurethane foam and memory foam contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), burning a foam mattress will release these toxic compounds into the environment. These chemicals are dangerous for humans, animals, and also the atmosphere.
Below, I’ll talking about the specific factors and effects of burning a mattress.
Is burning mattresses safe?
No, burning a mattress is certainly not safe for you and the environment. Mattresses are made of flammable materials and burning one can be very dangerous especially in a confined space.
The following are the negative effects of burning a mattress:
Air pollution
The VOCs released from a burning mattress – especially ones made from uncertified polyurethane foam – have a terrible odor that can affect the people within the vicinity. These fumes can take up to 4 weeks to disappear, but not before creating a greenhouse effect that can result in global warming.
Soil contamination
Once the toxic chemicals from a burning mattress enter the atmosphere, they will come down during rainfall and contaminate the soil. Some VOCs are carcinogenic and might come in contact with the food you eat as well as your water supply.
Carbon monoxide fumes
Burning a mattress can also release carbon monoxide into the air which is a highly poisonous gas when inhaled over a long period of time. If you’re in an enclosed room, inhaling this gas can be fatal.
Health effects
The fumes released from a burning mattress can be a serious health hazard, especially if inhaled in an area with no air circulation. It can lead to asthma attacks, fainting, seizures, and in some severe cases even death.
Fire risk
Mattresses, especially all-foam models, are highly flammable and it might take less than a minute for a spark to engulf a mattress in flames. Old mattresses might burn even faster because these will have worn-out materials.
Nowadays, most mattresses will contain flame retardants like fiberglass to prevent them from easily catching fire. Although this makes it hard for the mattress to catch fire, it also makes it more challenging to put out a fire when it occurs.
FAQs
It typically takes 30 seconds or less for a new mattress to burn after ignition. Older mattresses might burn even faster.
Yes, a mattress can easily catch a fire especially if it’s made with foam.
Yes, it’s physically possible although it’s not advisable due to the negative effects it can have on health and the environment. There may also be legal ramifications depending on the laws in your jurisdiction.
Burning a mattress will release toxic fumes into the air which could cause health issues as well as negative effects on the environment.
Conclusion
All things considered, we do not recommend disposing of your mattress by burning it. Burning a mattress will have a lot of adverse effects on the environment which could cause health issues and even contaminate the air and soil. Rather than burning your old mattress, we suggest that you try mattress recycling or donating it to a local charity organization.
Next step: Read our OkiOki mattress reviews. If you’re planning on getting rid of your old mattress and need a new one, OkiOki is a great choice. It’s affordable, comfortable, and lasts much longer than other budget mattress brands.
Sleepline is the #1 mattress review and sleep information resource on the web.
We personally test every product we review to make sure it meets our strict performance criteria. If we don't like it, we don't recommend it.
- Why is it illegal to remove a mattress tag? (what the penalty is) - July 7, 2025
- Best mattresses for kids (top 5 picks) - January 14, 2025
- Best 12-inch mattress – data-backed performance tests on 11+ brands - January 24, 2024
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?