How to get rid of a mattress in Houston, TX

Mattresses and box springs are accepted in Houston heavy trash. Set them out on your assigned heavy trash day, or take them to a Residential Drop-Off Center.

Last checked against the official City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department website. See sources.

Cost
No fee listed for scheduled heavy trash
How
Set it out on your assigned heavy trash day
Drop-off
Accepted at Residential Drop-Off Centers

Option 1: City pickup (Heavy trash collection)

Who can use it

  • For occupied homes that get City of Houston curbside service.
  • Not available to buildings with more than 8 units.

How to book

  1. No booking needed. Each home has an assigned heavy trash day.
  2. Look up your day with the City's online service lookup tool or the HTX Collects app.

Mattress rules

  • Mattresses and box springs are on the City's accepted heavy trash list.
  • Set them out between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on collection day, just behind the curb, not in the street or on the sidewalk.

Setting it out

  • Set items out between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on your collection day.
  • Place items just behind the curb in front of your home, not in the street or on the sidewalk.
  • Do not stack items under wires, signs or mailboxes, or on meters, hydrants or other utilities.
  • Limit: 8 cubic yards per set-out (about the size of a minivan).
  • If allowed and banned items are mixed, the whole pile may be refused.

Fees and limits

  • The City's heavy trash page does not list a fee for scheduled heavy trash collection.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • Residential Drop-Off Centers list mattresses as an accepted bulk item. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bring a Texas ID and a matching City utility bill or lease.
  • Residential Drop-Off Centers are open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Sunday and Monday). Residents may use them up to four times per month.
  • Locations: 9003 N Main 77022 (North), 14400 Sommermeyer 77041 (Northwest), 5565 Kirkpatrick 77028 (Northeast), 2240 Central Street 77017 (Southeast), 5100 Sunbeam 77033 (South), 10785 SW Freeway 77074 (Southwest).
  • To drop off bulk waste, bring a current Texas ID and a current City of Houston utility bill or lease with the same address.
  • Allowed vehicles: pickup trucks and small trailers up to 10 feet. Not allowed: U-Hauls, box trucks, sprinter vans, dump trailers. You unload your own items.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Most charity stores do not take used mattresses. Call ahead before you try to donate one.

Donation rules are set by each charity and can change. Call before you load up.

What we could not confirm

  • We could not find a City of Houston mattress recycling program.

Common questions

Does Houston pick up mattresses?
Yes. Mattresses and box springs are accepted in scheduled heavy trash collection.
Where can I drop off a mattress in Houston?
At any of the six Residential Drop-Off Centers, Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with proof of address.
When can I put it at the curb?
From 6:00 p.m. the Friday before your heavy trash day until 7:00 a.m. on the day itself.

Sources

Last checked Oct 21, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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