How to get rid of a mattress in Washington, DC

Wrap the mattress in plastic (DPW requires it), book a bulk collection through 311, and set it out between 6:30 p.m. the night before and 6:00 a.m. on your appointment day.

Last checked against the official DC Department of Public Works (DPW) website. See sources.

Cost
No fee listed
Key rule
MUST be wrapped in plastic
How
Book via 311 or 311.dc.gov

Option 1: City pickup (Bulk trash collection by appointment)

Who can use it

  • For residential households with DPW trash collection: single-family homes and residential buildings with three or fewer units.

How to book

  1. Submit a Residential Bulk Trash Collection service request through 311 or 311.dc.gov before setting anything out.
  2. No more than seven items per appointment.
  3. DPW: (202) 673-6833.

Mattress rules

  • Mattresses and box springs MUST be wrapped in plastic.
  • Bed frames are also accepted.

Setting it out

  • Place items where your trash and recycling are collected, between 6:30 p.m. the night before and 6:00 a.m. on your appointment day.
  • You could get a sanitation violation ticket if items are in public space at any other time.

Fees and limits

  • DPW's bulk page does not list a fee for appointments.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • Fort Totten Transfer Station accepts acceptable bulk items from residents.
  • Fort Totten Transfer Station, 4900 John McCormack Rd NE, Washington, DC 20011. Resident drop-off: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Bring a DC driver's license, or another state's photo ID plus a recent utility bill, to prove residency.
  • No commercial tags, sideboards, ladders, stake-bodies, cargo vans, rental trucks over 15 feet, or tag-along trailers.

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.

Common questions

Do I have to wrap a mattress in DC?
Yes. DPW says mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic.

Sources

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

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