How to Get Rid of a Mattress in NYC (Without a Fine)
Getting rid of a mattress in NYC is easy — if you know the one rule that trips everyone up: the bag law. Here's exactly how to do it without a fine, in order of least effort.
NYC law: mattresses and box springs must be fully sealed in a plastic mattress bag before going curbside. Skip the bag and you risk a sanitation fine — it's the city's bed-bug containment rule.
Option 1 — Free curbside pickup (most people)
- Buy a mattress disposal bag (~$5–10 at hardware stores, Home Depot, or Amazon — get the right size).
- Seal the mattress and box spring completely; tape the opening shut.
- Put it out with your regular trash, after 6pm (8pm April–October) the evening before collection day.
- Large buildings: check with your super first — many have their own bulk-item rules.
Option 2 — Retailer take-away with a new mattress
Buying a new mattress? Most major retailers (Casper, Saatva, Macy's, Mattress Firm) offer old-mattress removal on delivery, sometimes free and sometimes ~$20–50. It's the zero-effort option — just ask at checkout before you buy.
Option 3 — Donation (only if it's truly clean)
Honest truth: most charities don't accept used mattresses for hygiene reasons. Exceptions exist for nearly-new, stain-free mattresses — try Habitat for Humanity ReStore or local shelters directly. If it has stains, sagging, or years of use, go curbside.
Option 4 — Junk removal (fastest, costs money)
Paid junk-removal services will haul a mattress same-day, typically $80–150 in NYC. Worth it if you're on a deadline, can't handle the stairs, or missed trash night before your move.
Moving soon? Time it right
Getting rid of a mattress the night before your move is the classic mistake — if you miss trash night, it's riding in the truck. Check your collection day the week before, or tell your movers up front that the mattress isn't coming so the plan (and price) accounts for it. See our full NYC furniture disposal guide for everything else you're leaving behind.
Moving without the mattress?
Tell us what's coming and what's not — we'll quote it flat-rate.
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How do I throw out a mattress in NYC?
Seal the mattress and box spring in plastic mattress bags (NYC law), then put them out with your regular trash after 6pm the evening before collection (8pm April–October). Mattress bags cost about $5–10 at hardware stores.
Is it illegal to throw out a mattress without a bag in NYC?
Yes — NYC requires mattresses and box springs to be fully sealed in plastic before curbside disposal, and unbagged mattresses risk a sanitation fine. The rule exists to prevent bed-bug spread.
Can I donate a used mattress in NYC?
Usually not — most charities decline used mattresses for hygiene reasons. Nearly-new, stain-free mattresses are occasionally accepted by Habitat for Humanity ReStore or local shelters; call ahead before hauling it anywhere.
How much does mattress removal cost in NYC?
Curbside disposal is free (just the ~$5–10 bag). Retailers charge $0–50 to take your old mattress when delivering a new one. Private junk-removal services typically charge $80–150 for same-day mattress pickup.