How to Dispose of a Mattress in Denver, CO (2026 Guide)

Mattresses contain materials that don't decompose easily in landfills, including steel springs, foam, and synthetic fabrics. In Colorado, environmental regulations encourage recycling and proper disposal of bulky items. Improper disposal can lead to:

- **Environmental impact**: Mattresses take up significant landfill space and don't biodegrade - **Public health concerns**: Abandoned mattresses can harbor pests and become breeding grounds for bacteria - **Legal penalties**: Denver has regulations against illegal dumping, with fines ranging from $79 to $1,000 - **Community aesthetics**: Improperly disposed mattresses create neighborhood eyesores

The City and County of Denver provides a **Large Item Pickup** service that accepts mattresses as part of their bulk waste collection program.

- **Frequency**: Every 9 weeks on your regular trash collection day - **Item limits**: Up to 5 large items and 10 bags per pickup - **Cost**: Included in your regular trash service fees - **Scheduling**: Check your pickup schedule at denvergov.org - **Requirements**: Items must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on collection day

1. Visit denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Recycle-Compost-Trash/Large-Item-Pickup 2. Enter your address to find your next pickup date 3. Place your mattress at the designated pickup location 4. Ensure the mattress is accessible to collection crews

The 9-week wait time may not work if you need immediate disposal. Additionally, weather conditions can affect pickup schedules.

Several facilities in the Denver metropolitan area accept mattresses for recycling, breaking them down into component materials like steel springs, foam, and fabric.

**1. Waste Management - Denver Transfer Station** - **Address**: 4600 Ivy Street, Denver, CO 80216 - **Phone**: (303) 297-1520 - **Hours**: Monday-Friday 7 AM-4 PM, Saturday 7 AM-12 PM - **Fee**: $15-25 per mattress (cash or card accepted) - **Services**: Accepts mattresses, box springs, and furniture

**2. Front Range Landfill** - **Address**: 8800 Baseline Road, Boulder, CO 80303 - **Phone**: (303) 444-7171 - **Hours**: Monday-Saturday 7 AM-4 PM - **Fee**: $18-30 per mattress depending on size - **Note**: About 30 minutes from central Denver

**3. Thornton Resource Recovery Park** - **Address**: 9500 Civic Center Drive, Thornton, CO 80229 - **Phone**: (303) 538-7615 - **Hours**: Tuesday-Saturday 7 AM-4 PM - **Fee**: $20 per mattress - **Services**: Mattress recycling and household hazardous waste

At recycling facilities, mattresses are disassembled and materials are sorted: - **Steel springs**: Recycled into new metal products - **Foam**: Processed into carpet padding or insulation - **Fabric**: Used for industrial wiping cloths or insulation - **Wood frames**: Processed into wood chips or biomass fuel

This process diverts approximately 85-90% of mattress materials from landfills.

If your mattress is still in good condition (less than 8 years old, no stains, tears, or odors), donation can be an excellent option.

**Goodwill of Colorado** - **Locations**: Multiple Denver locations - **Requirements**: Mattresses must be clean, stain-free, and in good condition - **Contact**: (303) 650-7837 - **Pickup**: Available for large items with advance scheduling

**Salvation Army - Denver** - **Address**: 2727 Park Avenue West, Denver, CO 80205 - **Phone**: (303) 295-9139 - **Requirements**: Mattresses must meet health and safety standards - **Pickup**: Free pickup available for qualifying items

**Denver Rescue Mission** - **Address**: 6100 Smith Road, Denver, CO 80216 - **Phone**: (303) 297-1815 - **Focus**: Serves homeless and transitioning individuals - **Requirements**: Clean mattresses in good structural condition

**Habitat for Humanity ReStore** - **Address**: 6800 W. Colfax Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80214 - **Phone**: (303) 234-6143 - **Requirements**: Mattresses must be clean and free from damage - **Benefits**: Supports affordable housing initiatives

- Mattresses should be less than 8 years old - No visible stains, tears, or structural damage - Free from odors, including pet and smoke smells - Must comply with fire safety standards - Some organizations provide free pickup for qualifying donations

Many mattress retailers offer take-back services when you purchase a new mattress.

**Mattress Firm** - **Service**: Old mattress removal with new purchase - **Cost**: $99.99 removal fee - **Locations**: Multiple Denver area stores - **Environmental**: Partners with recycling facilities

**Sleep Number** - **Service**: White glove delivery includes old mattress removal - **Cost**: Included with delivery service - **Recycling**: Committed to responsible disposal

**Denver Mattress Company** - **Service**: Local Colorado company with take-back options - **Cost**: Varies by location and purchase - **Locations**: Multiple Front Range locations

Many online mattress companies offer removal services: - **Purple**: $149 removal service - **Casper**: $75 removal with white glove delivery - **Tuft & Needle**: Partners with local removal services

For convenient, hassle-free mattress disposal, professional junk removal services offer same-day or next-day pickup.

**Dropcurb** provides professional, eco-friendly mattress removal throughout Denver and surrounding areas.

- **Starting Price**: $79 for mattress removal - **Service Area**: All of Denver, Westminster, Arvada, Thornton, and surrounding areas - **Scheduling**: Online booking with same-day availability - **Environmental Commitment**: Partners with local recycling facilities - **Additional Services**: Furniture removal, appliance disposal, cleanouts - **Insurance**: Fully licensed and insured - **Guarantee**: Professional, courteous service

**1-800-GOT-JUNK?** - **Price Range**: $150-300 depending on load size - **Service**: Full-service junk removal - **Environmental**: Focuses on donation and recycling

**Junk King Denver** - **Price Range**: $125-250 for mattress removal - **Service**: Volume-based pricing - **Recycling**: Diverts items from landfills when possible

**College Hunks Hauling Junk** - **Price Range**: $100-200 for single mattress - **Service**: Full-service removal and cleanouts - **Additional**: Moving services available

If you prefer to handle disposal yourself, several options are available.

**Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site** - **Address**: 9800 W 4th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80226 - **Hours**: Monday-Friday 7 AM-4 PM, Saturday 7 AM-12 PM - **Cost**: $15 minimum load fee - **Requirements**: Valid ID required

**Waste Management - Commerce City** - **Address**: 6000 Dahlia Street, Commerce City, CO 80022 - **Hours**: Monday-Friday 7 AM-4 PM, Saturday 7 AM-12 PM - **Cost**: Based on weight, minimum $20

- **Vehicle**: Truck or trailer capable of securing the mattress - **Securing**: Mattresses must be properly tied down during transport - **Safety**: Follow all traffic laws for oversized loads - **Cash**: Most facilities require cash payment

Colorado has specific regulations regarding mattress disposal and recycling:

- **Fire Safety**: All mattresses sold must meet federal fire safety standards - **Recycling Goals**: Colorado aims to divert 28% of waste from landfills by 2025 - **Illegal Dumping**: Penalties range from $79 to $1,000 for first-time offenders - **Commercial Disposal**: Businesses must use licensed waste haulers

- **Bulk Item Placement**: Items can only be placed at curb on designated pickup days - **Private Property**: Mattresses cannot be stored in yards visible from public areas - **Multi-Family Housing**: Apartment complexes must provide adequate disposal options

| Disposal Method | Cost Range | Convenience | Environmental Impact | |-----------------|------------|-------------|-----------------------| | Denver Large Item Pickup | Free | Low (9-week wait) | Moderate | | Recycling Facility | $15-30 | Medium (requires transport) | High | | Donation | Free | Medium (pickup may be available) | Highest (reuse) | | Retailer Take-Back | $75-100 | High (with new purchase) | Moderate | | Dropcurb Professional | $79+ | Highest | High (eco-friendly) | | Other Professional Services | $100-300 | High | Varies | | DIY Transfer Station | $15-20 | Low (requires transport) | Low-Moderate |

Mattress disposal has significant environmental implications:

- Average mattress takes 80-120 years to decompose - Occupies 23 cubic feet of landfill space - Steel springs can contaminate soil if not properly contained

- Diverts 85-90% of materials from landfills - Steel recycling saves energy equivalent to powering 30 homes for one month - Foam recycling reduces petroleum consumption - Creates local recycling industry jobs

1. **Donate first** if the mattress is in good condition 2. **Choose recycling** over landfill disposal 3. **Support companies** with environmental commitments 4. **Plan ahead** to avoid emergency disposal situations

- Cannot be donated or recycled through standard programs - Must be properly sealed in plastic before disposal - Contact professional pest control for guidance - May require special handling fees

- Cannot be donated due to mold and bacteria concerns - Should be disposed of quickly to prevent health hazards - Professional removal recommended for safety

- May have different recycling processes - Some facilities charge additional fees for specialty materials - Check with disposal facility before transport

- Hotels, hospitals, and rental properties have special requirements - Must use licensed commercial waste haulers - Documentation may be required for environmental compliance - Volume discounts often available

Proper mattress disposal in Denver involves several viable options, from free city services to professional removal. While Denver's Large Item Pickup service provides a free option every 9 weeks, many residents prefer the convenience of professional services like Dropcurb, which starts at $79 and offers same-day service with environmental responsibility.

When choosing a disposal method, consider: - **Timing needs**: How quickly you need the mattress removed - **Budget**: Costs range from free to several hundred dollars - **Environmental impact**: Recycling and donation have the lowest environmental impact - **Convenience**: Professional services offer the most convenience but at higher cost

By choosing responsible disposal methods, Denver residents contribute to the city's sustainability goals while maintaining clean, healthy neighborhoods. Whether you choose the free city service, affordable recycling, charitable donation, or professional removal, proper mattress disposal protects both the environment and your community.