How to throw out a mattress

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To throw out a mattress, first check your city's bulky-item pickup. A free option is on the record in 519 of the 1371 place guides. Follow your city's bag and set-out rules. In California, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Oregon, state programs take mattresses free at drop-off sites. Retailers may haul old ones away with a delivery.[4]

How do you want to get rid of it?

City pickupDonateDrop offRetailer pickupDIY recyclingPaid junk removal

Independent guide, not a government website. Confirm with your city or the linked official source before acting; rules and fees change.

Questions your state page answers

Pick your state to get the answers

What are the steps?

  1. City pickup. Find your city below or on the map. Follow the bag and set-out rules. See bag rules & bed bugs.
  2. Donate. Many charities won't take used mattresses. Ask first.
  3. Drop off. Pick your state to see its programs, drop-off sites and city guides.
  4. Retailer pickup. Ask your retailer about haul-away when a new mattress is delivered.
  5. DIY recycling. In stewardship states, use the free recycling network instead of breaking one down yourself.
  6. Paid junk removal. Optional: independent companies offer paid pickup if you prefer (junk removal). It is never required.

What are all my options?

Six ways to get rid of an old mattress, free options first.

Free

City pickup

Most big cities collect mattresses free, by appointment, schedule or trash day. Seattle charges $31. See your city guide.[2]

Free

Drop-off

City drop-off yards, transfer stations and Bye Bye Mattress sites (CA, CT, RI, OR) often take mattresses free.[1]

Varies

Retailer take-back

Free by law in California when a new mattress is delivered. Elsewhere it's optional and may cost extra.[2]

Free

DIY recycling

Mattresses are mostly recyclable steel, foam and fiber. In stewardship states, use the free recycling network instead of breaking one down yourself.[2]

Sources for the city rules above (2 official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026)

  1. NYC Department of Sanitation, “DSNY Rules & Regulations (NY Bedding Law).” https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/downloads/pdf/about/laws/DSNY_rules_regs_2015.pdf (PDF). Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  2. City of Philadelphia, “Streets Dept. Regulations (PDF).” https://www.phila.gov/media/20240307174251/department-of-streets-regulations-20240227.pdf (PDF). Checked Oct 21, 2026.

How do I get rid of a box spring?

Box springs usually follow the same rules as mattresses, with a few exceptions.

Rules differ by city. Pick your state to see the official rule where you live.

Do box springs need a bag? It depends. NYC requires it; Miami-Dade says box springs don't need bagging.[2]

Sources for the city rules above (4 official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026)

  1. NYC Department of Sanitation, “Furniture, Mattresses & Rugs.” https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/get-rid-of/furniture-mattresses.page. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  2. Miami-Dade County, Solid Waste Management, “Bulky Waste Pickup.” https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser148069212998189. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  3. City of San Diego, Environmental Services, “Recycling Mattresses and Box Springs.” https://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/residential/mattresses. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  4. City of Houston, Solid Waste Management, “Heavy Trash Collection.” https://houstontx.gov/solidwaste/heavytrash.html. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

FAQ

Can I put a mattress out with the trash?

Only if your city allows it. Many require an appointment or a scheduled bulk day, and Massachusetts bans mattresses from disposal (Boston uses recycling appointments).[2]

Do I have to bag a mattress?

It depends on the city. Some cities require plastic wrap or a sealed bag. New York City does. San Diego's landfill rejects bagged mattresses.[1][3]

Where can I recycle a mattress for free?

California, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Oregon have state Bye Bye Mattress programs with free drop-off sites.

What's the cheapest way to get rid of a mattress?

Usually your city's free bulky pickup or drop-off, or free retailer take-back where the law requires it.

Will a charity take my old mattress?

Often not. Some states restrict used bedding donations. Call ahead.

Sources (4 official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026)

Each numbered citation [n] above links to its source. Last checked Oct 21, 2026. Rules change, so confirm before you set anything out.

Pick your state

Opens the place guides in that state for this item.