How to get rid of a mattress in Seattle, WA

Book an SPU Special Item Pickup. Mattresses and box springs are each listed at $31 per item, and they are collected on your next regular garbage day.

Last checked against the official Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) website. See sources.

Cost
$31 per mattress or box spring
How
Book Special Item Pickup online or at (206) 684-3000
Note
Box springs count as a separate item

Option 1: City pickup (Special Item Pickup)

Who can use it

  • The person on the SPU utility account must make the request.
  • Apartment residents and renters in buildings with 5 or more units cannot book it themselves. Ask your property manager or owner to set it up.
  • Utility Discount Program customers in single-family homes can get two free bulky and special item pickups per year.

How to book

  1. Log in to your SPU account online and choose Special Item Pickup, or call SPU Customer Service at (206) 684-3000.
  2. Your items are collected on your next regular garbage day after you book. Do not leave items out until your pickup is confirmed.

Mattress rules

  • Mattresses and box springs are both on SPU's $31-per-item list.
  • Cover them if it is raining.
  • Do not leave a mattress out until your pickup is confirmed.

Setting it out

  • Set items where your garbage is normally collected, on a flat, level surface (no stairs) that is easy to reach from the street.
  • Items must be out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
  • Cover items on rainy days.

Fees and limits

  • $31 per large item (furniture, mattresses, box springs, sofas, appliances, TVs larger than 2 x 2 x 2 feet).
  • $39.25 per item for items containing CFCs, such as refrigerators and freezers made before 2005.
  • Each item cannot exceed 300 lbs, 8 feet tall, or 4 feet in diameter.
  • Charges appear on your combined utility bill.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • The North and South Transfer Stations take household garbage and many larger items. Their page does not name mattresses specifically, so call (206) 684-8400 before you go. Garbage loads cost a $37 minimum per trip.
  • North Transfer Station, 1350 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 98103.
  • South Transfer Station, 130 S Kenyon St, Seattle, WA 98108.
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day (North Station also closed July 4).
  • Rates as of April 1, 2026: garbage $37 minimum per trip (covers up to 420 lbs), then $174 per ton. Appliances $34 each, limit 2 per load; refrigerators must be empty with doors removed.
  • Stations do not accept material over 8 feet long and over 200 lbs. Questions: (206) 684-8400. Pay by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King County Stores do not accept mattresses or box springs.

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

What we could not confirm

  • We could not confirm on SPU's transfer station page how mattresses are handled or charged when you drop them off.

Common questions

How much is mattress pickup in Seattle?
$31 per item. A mattress and a box spring are two items.
Can Utility Discount Program customers get it free?
SPU says UDP customers who live in a single-family home and get an SPU bill in their name can get two free bulky and special item pickups per year.
Will Habitat take a mattress?
No. The Seattle-King County Habitat Stores do not accept mattresses or box springs.

Sources

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

Related guides