Where Can I Dispose of a Mattress? 7 Options [2026]

Getting rid of a mattress is harder than most furniture because of its size, weight, and bed bug concerns. Most garbage services refuse mattresses on regular pickup days. Here are all seven options, ranked by convenience and cost.

Professional mattress removal averages $80-$150. LoadUp charges around $80 for a single mattress pickup. 1-800-GOT-JUNK charges $150-$350 depending on load size. Dropcurb charges a flat $79 for curbside mattress pickup with same-day availability.

Free mattress disposal is available through city bulk pickup programs and recycling centers in some states. California, Connecticut, Oregon, and Rhode Island have Bye Bye Mattress recycling programs that accept mattresses for free at designated drop-off locations.

Self-hauling to a transfer station or landfill costs $20-$50 in disposal fees. You need a truck, van, or trailer since mattresses do not fit in most cars. Dumpster rental ($250-$400 for a 10-yard container) only makes sense if you have multiple large items to dispose of.

Almost no city allows mattresses in regular curbside trash. Mattresses are classified as bulky items and most garbage trucks cannot compact them.

Cities with free bulk mattress pickup:

• •New York City: Free through DSNY. Schedule online. Must wrap mattress in plastic if bed bugs are suspected.
• •Los Angeles: Free bulky item pickup through 311. Up to 3 items per request.
• •San Jose: Free Junk Pickup Program for mattresses, box springs, and futons.
• •Houston: Monthly heavy trash week by zone. Leave at curb on your scheduled week.
• •Philadelphia: Free bulk pickup via 311 request. 2-4 week wait typical.

Leaving a mattress at the curb without scheduling pickup is illegal in most cities. Fines range from $50 to $1,000, and some cities issue daily fines until the mattress is removed.

Up to 90% of a mattress is recyclable. Steel springs become scrap metal, foam becomes carpet padding, and fabric is repurposed.

Four states have Bye Bye Mattress recycling programs with free drop-off locations:

• •California: 150+ collection sites statewide. Find locations at byebyemattress.com.
• •Connecticut: Multiple drop-off sites across the state.
• •Oregon: Free mattress recycling at participating locations.
• •Rhode Island: Drop-off sites available statewide.

Outside these four states, mattress recycling options are limited. Some local recyclers charge $10-$40 per mattress. Earthbound Recycling in St. Louis, for example, accepts mattresses for a small fee but requires you to deliver them.

For most people outside CA, CT, OR, and RI, curbside junk removal or city bulk pickup is the most practical disposal method.

Donation is possible if your mattress is clean, stain-free, and structurally sound. Most charities are strict about mattress condition due to health regulations.

• •Salvation Army: Accepts mattresses in good condition. Free pickup available in most metros.
• •Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Accepts clean mattresses. Policies vary by location.
• •Local shelters: Some homeless shelters accept gently used mattresses directly. Call first.
• •Facebook Marketplace: List it free. Mattresses in good condition get claimed fast.

Mattresses with stains, sagging, tears, or any sign of bed bugs will be rejected by all donation centers. Most charities will not accept mattresses older than 8-10 years regardless of condition.

Many mattress retailers offer old mattress removal when you buy a new one. Policies and fees vary:

• •Casper: Free old mattress removal with new mattress delivery.
• •Purple: Offers mattress removal for a fee with white-glove delivery.
• •Mattress Firm: Old mattress removal included with delivery on many purchases.
• •Sleep Number: Haul-away available for a fee.
• •IKEA: Does not offer mattress haul-away at most locations.

Retailer take-back is convenient if you are buying a replacement. If you just need disposal without a new purchase, a junk removal service is typically faster and easier.