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

Mattresses and foundations are on Recology's accepted bulky item list. Schedule a free curbside pickup, or use California's free options: retailer take-back with a new mattress delivery, or a Bye Bye Mattress drop-off site.

Last checked against the official Recology San Francisco (City-franchised collector), with SF Environment website. See sources.

Cost
Free (within your yearly pickups)
How
Recology bulky pickup or Bye Bye Mattress
Limit
10 items per appointment

Option 1: City pickup (Recology curbside Bulky Item Collection)

Who can use it

  • Buildings with 5 units or fewer: two no-charge curbside collections per year.
  • Buildings with 6 or more units: each unit can get one no-charge curbside collection.

How to book

  1. Schedule online with Recology or call 415-330-1300. You must schedule before putting anything at the curb.
  2. Cancel by 12 p.m. the business day before (for a Monday pickup, call before noon Friday), or use the cancel link in your confirmation email.

Mattress rules

  • Mattresses and foundations (box springs) are accepted bulky items.
  • Attach a "RECOLOGY" sign on collection day.

Setting it out

  • Place items next to the curb in front of your building on your pickup date, without blocking the sidewalk.
  • Attach a sign that reads "RECOLOGY".
  • Up to 10 items per appointment.

Fees and limits

  • Eligible curbside collections are free.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • Recology San Francisco Transfer Station, 501 Tunnel Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94134, (415) 330-1400. Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day.

Option 3: 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.

Common questions

Does Recology pick up mattresses in San Francisco?
Yes, as part of your free bulky item collections.

Sources

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

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