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Getting rid of an old mattress can be surprisingly complicated. This guide covers your disposal options including dumpster rental, curbside pickup, recycling programs, and donation, along with state-specific regulations you need to know.
Mattresses are bulky, difficult to compact, and increasingly subject to state recycling regulations. Most roll-off dumpster providers accept mattresses, though some charge a surcharge due to the difficulty of processing them at landfills. Several states now have mandatory mattress recycling programs. Understanding your options helps you choose the most cost-effective and responsible disposal method.
May count as a separate item for surcharge purposes.
Bed bug-infested mattresses require professional pest control treatment. Many landfills and recyclers refuse them. Encasement and professional disposal may be required.
May be classified as biohazardous waste requiring specialized disposal.
Drain completely before disposal. The vinyl bladder itself is accepted once empty.
Recommended container sizes based on typical mattresses project scope.
10 Yard
12' x 8' x 3.5' | 1 ton
Disposing of 1-3 mattresses alongside other household items from a single room cleanout.
View Size Details15 Yard
16' x 7.5' x 4.5' | 1.5 tons
Multiple mattresses plus box springs and bedroom furniture from a multi-room cleanout.
View Size Details20 Yard
22' x 7.5' x 4.5' | 2 tons
Estate cleanout or full-house move with multiple mattresses plus other household furniture and junk.
View Size DetailsAverage weight: 50 - 100 lbs per mattress (varies by type and size)
Mattresses are extremely bulky relative to their weight. A king-size innerspring mattress weighs 100-150 lbs but takes up approximately 2 cubic yards of dumpster space. Memory foam mattresses are lighter (60-100 lbs for a king). The challenge with mattresses is volume, not weight: a single king mattress and box spring can consume 3-4 cubic yards of space in a dumpster.
Lean mattresses vertically against the dumpster wall rather than laying them flat on the floor. This preserves floor space for other items and allows you to fit more in the container.
Strip any removable covers, pads, and toppers from the mattress. These can be bagged and packed into gaps around other items.
Memory foam and latex mattresses can be cut into sections with a utility knife or electric knife, dramatically reducing their volume. Innerspring mattresses cannot easily be cut.
Before placing mattresses in a dumpster, check if your state or municipality has a mattress recycling program. Recycling keeps over 90% of mattress materials out of landfills.
California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have mandatory mattress recycling programs funded by a small recycling fee at the point of sale. Free recycling drop-off locations are available in these states.
Oregon's mattress recycling program launched in 2024 and provides free drop-off recycling statewide.
Many municipalities prohibit mattresses from curbside trash pickup due to their bulk. A dumpster, recycling program, or special pickup may be required.
Some landfills charge extra tipping fees for mattresses due to the difficulty of compacting them.
Approximately 20 million mattresses are discarded annually in the U.S. Each mattress contains up to 25 pounds of recyclable steel, along with foam, fiber, and wood that can be repurposed. Mattress recycling diverts over 90% of these materials from landfills.
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Common questions about disposing of mattresses in a dumpster.
Yes, mattresses are accepted in most roll-off dumpsters. Some landfills charge a per-item mattress fee that varies by area (one landfill we work with charges $75 per mattress) because they are difficult to process. Your rep will flag any mattress fee for your ZIP when you order. Stand mattresses upright against the dumpster wall to maximize space for other items.
The cheapest option depends on your state. In California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon, free mattress recycling drop-off locations are available. In other states, check if your trash hauler offers bulk pickup for a small fee. If you are already renting a dumpster for a cleanout, adding a mattress is the most convenient option. Junk removal pickup is also available, though pricing varies by company and area.
Yes. Over 90% of mattress materials (steel springs, foam, fiber, wood) can be recycled. Four states (CA, CT, RI, OR) have free mattress recycling programs. In other states, search for private mattress recyclers or contact your local waste authority for recycling options.
Wrapping is not required for dumpster disposal. However, if the mattress has been exposed to bed bugs, many haulers will refuse it unless it is fully wrapped and sealed in a mattress encasement bag. Always disclose bed bug contamination to your dumpster provider.
Standing upright, a 10-yard dumpster can hold approximately 3-4 mattresses (depending on size) with room for box springs and some additional items. If you are disposing of mattresses only, a 10-yard is typically sufficient for up to 4 mattresses. For a whole-house cleanout with mattresses, choose a 15 or 20-yard.
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