How to get rid of a mattress in New York City, NY

Seal the mattress or box spring completely in a plastic bag and put it out on your trash-only day. DSNY requires the bag to help stop bed bugs, and unbagged mattresses may be refused and fined.

Last checked against the official NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) website. See sources.

Cost
Free
Key rule
Must be fully sealed in a plastic bag
When
Trash-only day, not recycling day

Option 1: City pickup (Curbside large item collection)

Who can use it

  • For NYC residents with DSNY collection. CFC (Freon) removal service is for residents only; businesses must use private carters.

How to book

  1. Most large items: no appointment. Pick-up appointments are no longer offered for regular large items.
  2. Find your trash and recycling days with DSNY's collection schedule lookup.
  3. Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and other cooling appliances: call 311 or submit DSNY's online request for a free CFC removal appointment.

Mattress rules

  • Mattresses and box springs MUST be sealed in plastic bags.
  • NYC311 says the bag can be any color except red or orange, and the City does not provide bags.
  • Set it out on your trash-only day, NOT your recycling day.
  • Bed frames are bulk items: wood frames with trash, mostly metal or plastic frames with recycling.

Setting it out

  • Up to 6 large items per collection day.
  • Mostly metal or rigid plastic items go out with recycling. Everything else goes out on your trash-only day, not your recycling day.
  • NYC311 says to place bulk items at the curb between 6 PM and midnight the evening before collection.
  • Do not place items in the street, in front of another property, or where they block pedestrians.

Fees and limits

  • Curbside large item collection and CFC removal are free for residents.
  • Improperly set-out items may be refused, and you may be fined.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

We did not find an official public drop-off site for this item. Ask a private hauler, or check the city's page listed under Sources.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStores do not accept mattresses or box springs (national guidance).

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

What we could not confirm

  • DSNY's page says you may be fined up to $300 for improper mattress disposal, while NYC311 lists $50, $100 and $200 for first, second and later offenses. We show both because the official pages differ.

Common questions

Do I have to bag a mattress in NYC?
Yes. Mattresses and box springs must be sealed in a plastic bag (not red or orange).
What if I don't bag it?
It may not be collected and you may be fined.
Which day do I put it out?
Your trash-only day.

Sources

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

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