How to Throw Away a Mattress in NYC? [2026 Rules & Options]

The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has specific rules for mattress disposal that many residents do not know about.

Every mattress and box spring set out for collection MUST be fully sealed in a clear plastic bag. This rule exists to prevent the spread of bed bugs. Unbagged mattresses left on the curb can result in a fine of up to $100 from DSNY enforcement.

Place your bagged mattress curbside between 6:00 PM and midnight the evening before your scheduled trash collection day. Mattresses go out on your regular trash day, NOT your recycling day.

You do not need to schedule a special bulk pickup for mattresses in NYC. They are collected with regular trash as long as they are properly bagged. This is different from most other cities where mattresses require a bulk pickup appointment.

Mattress disposal bags (also called mattress encasements) are required by NYC law for curbside disposal. You can buy them at:

• •Home Depot: $8-15 for a standard mattress bag. Available in-store and online.
• •Amazon: $6-12 with same-day or next-day delivery in NYC. Search "mattress disposal bag" and choose the size matching your mattress (Twin, Full, Queen, King).
• •U-Haul: $6-10 per bag. Available at any NYC U-Haul location.
• •Bed Bath & Beyond / local hardware stores: $8-15.

The bag must be CLEAR plastic so DSNY workers can identify the contents. Opaque bags or garbage bags taped together are not acceptable and may result in a fine or your mattress being left on the curb.

If you do not want to deal with buying a bag, wrestling a mattress into it, and waiting for trash day, there are alternatives.

Dropcurb picks up mattresses from your curb for $79 with same-day service. No bag required — the hauler handles everything. Book online in 60 seconds, place the mattress at the curb, and it disappears. This is the fastest no-hassle option for NYC residents.

NYC mattress recycling facilities accept mattresses without bags. Two facilities in the NYC area handle mattress recycling:

• •Renewable Recycling (Brooklyn): Accepts mattresses for recycling. Call ahead for current fees and hours.
• •Transfer stations: NYC operates several transfer stations that accept large items including mattresses. Check nyc.gov/dsny for the nearest location.

Donation is an option for mattresses in good condition. Housing Works, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore in NYC accept clean, stain-free mattresses. Call ahead to confirm availability — many locations pause mattress donations periodically due to bed bug concerns.

DSNY can issue a fine of up to $100 for mattresses left curbside without a proper clear plastic bag. This rule was enacted under NYC Administrative Code Section 16-120 to combat the spread of bed bugs.

Beyond the fine, DSNY sanitation workers may refuse to collect an unbagged mattress, leaving it on your sidewalk. If the mattress sits for multiple days, you could receive additional fines for sidewalk obstruction.

If your mattress has or had bed bugs, NYC law requires you to label it with a "BED BUGS" notice in addition to bagging it. This alerts sanitation workers to handle it accordingly and protects neighbors.

NYC apartment dwellers face extra challenges with mattress disposal. Elevators, narrow hallways, and walk-up buildings make moving a mattress difficult.

Check with your building management first. Many NYC buildings have a bulk item area or loading dock where you can stage large items for DSNY pickup. Your super or property manager may handle scheduling.

For walk-up apartments (no elevator), getting a mattress to the curb is the hardest part. Dropcurb requires the mattress to be at the curb, so you need to get it downstairs yourself or ask a friend to help. 1-800-GOT-JUNK will carry it from your apartment but charges $150-300+ for the service.

Co-ops and condos may have their own disposal rules that override DSNY guidelines. Check your building rules before putting anything on the curb.