How to get rid of a mattress in San Diego, CA

Drop it off free at the Miramar Landfill Mattress Collection Site (Bye Bye Mattress program), open weekdays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with no drop-off limit. The City does not pick up mattresses.

Last checked against the official City of San Diego Environmental Services Department website. See sources.

Cost
Free drop-off
Where
Miramar Landfill Mattress Collection Site
Hours
Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

No City pickup (checked Oct 21, 2026): the City says its planned bulky item pickup service is paused until further notice. Regular trash, recycling and organics collection continue.

City pickup: not available for mattresses

The City of San Diego does not pick up mattresses, but drop-off at Miramar Landfill is free.

Why

  • Mattresses and box springs are accepted free, with no drop-off limit. Landfill fees may apply if you bring them in with other waste.
  • Futon mattresses must be removed from the frame.
  • Not accepted: severely damaged, wet, twisted, frozen or soiled mattresses; bed-bug-infested mattresses; pads or toppers; crib mattresses; waterbeds; sofa beds; and mattresses in a box or plastic bag.

Skip to your real options: drop it off, donate it, or have it hauled away (below).

Option 1: Drop it off yourself

  • Mattress Collection Site, east side of the Miramar Landfill entrance, next to the Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility. Closed weekends and on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Miramar Landfill Mattress Collection Site, east side of the landfill entrance (5161 Convoy St.), Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Miramar Recycling Center, Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 858-268-8971 to verify prices and accepted items.
  • Miramar Landfill for general bulky waste (fees apply). Appliances, TVs and electronics are not accepted as landfill trash.

Option 2: Donate or give it away

  • If you are buying a new mattress and having it delivered, California law requires the retailer to offer to take back your old mattress at no additional cost (delivery fees may still apply). The retailer has up to 30 days to pick it up.
  • Bye Bye Mattress, California's mattress recycling program run by the Mattress Recycling Council, offers free drop-off at participating locations. Use the location search and call the site first.
  • 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

  • We could not confirm the exact Miramar Landfill fee for a single couch. Rates depend on vehicle and waste type; ask the scale house or call 858-694-7000.

Common questions

Is mattress drop-off free in San Diego?
Yes, at the Miramar Landfill Mattress Collection Site.
Can I bring a mattress in a plastic bag?
No. Bagged or boxed mattresses are not accepted at the collection site.
Will the City pick up my mattress?
No. The City does not offer bulky item or mattress pickup.

Sources

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

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