How to get rid of a mattress in Philadelphia, PA
Seal the mattress in a plastic mattress bag and put it out with regular trash (it counts toward the two large items allowed per collection day). Unwrapped mattresses are not collected at the curb and can bring a fine, but Sanitation Convenience Centers take them unwrapped.
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Key rule
- Seal in a plastic mattress bag for curbside
- Unwrapped
- Only at Sanitation Convenience Centers
Seasonal set-out times: from October 1 to March 31, set trash out between 5 p.m. the night before and 7 a.m. on collection day (Center City: 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.). From April 1 the evening start moves to 7 p.m. (Center City 8 p.m.).
Option 1: City pickup (Regular trash (large items) and Bulk Collection appointments)
Who can use it
- Regular City trash collection and the Bulk Collection program serve residential households, including multi-family properties with up to six units.
- Larger apartment buildings, condos and commercial properties must use a private hauler.
How to book
- Wood-frame furniture and wrapped mattresses: no appointment. Put them out with regular trash (up to two large items per household per collection day).
- Refrigerators, other major appliances and metal-frame furniture: schedule a Bulk Collection appointment at bulkcollection.phila.gov or through 311. Appointments are limited, first-come first-served, up to one month ahead; new dates open after midnight each day.
- Bulk appointments take up to four items, one appointment per household per week. You get an email with a 4-letter Pickup Code to label each item.
Mattress rules
- Bag and seal mattresses and box springs in plastic mattress bags for curbside pickup.
- Unwrapped mattresses are not eligible for regular trash collection and are subject to fines.
- Mattresses are not part of the Bulk Collection appointment program.
Setting it out
- Set out at your normal collection point the evening before: no earlier than 5 p.m. in fall and winter, 7 p.m. in spring and summer.
- Everything must be out by 7 a.m. on collection day.
- For bulk appointments, label each item with your Pickup Code. Sanitation will not knock or enter your home.
Fees and limits
- The City's pages do not list a fee for regular large-item collection or Bulk Collection appointments.
- Unwrapped mattresses set out with trash are subject to fines.