How to Dispose of a Mattress in Houston

Last checked: Oct 23, 2026 · Source: City of Houston SWMD — Heavy Trash Collection (Bulk & Tree Waste)

Houston accepts mattresses and box springs two ways: at the curb during your Heavy Trash collection (every other month), or any week at one of six Residential Drop-Off Centers with proof of address.

Quick answer

Curbside: mattresses and box springs are accepted as junk waste in Heavy Trash collection.
How often: Heavy Trash is collected every other month — up to six curbside collections per calendar year for eligible addresses.
Set-out window: between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day.
Limit: maximum 8 cubic yards per set-out (about the size of a minivan).
Drop-off: six Residential Drop-Off Centers, open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Monday and Sunday).

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Option 1: Curbside Heavy Trash collection

Eligibility: occupied residential units receiving City of Houston services. Not available to multi-residential structures with more than 8 units.
Find your assigned day using the City's service lookup tool or the HTX Collects app.
Place the mattress just behind the curb line in front of your home — not in the street or on the sidewalk.
Don't stack items under wires, signs, or mailboxes, on top of meters, hydrants or other utilities, or where they block pedestrian or vehicle traffic.
Don't mix in items that aren't accepted: if authorized and unauthorized items are mixed, the entire pile may be refused.

Option 2: Residential Drop-Off Centers

If you can't wait for your Heavy Trash month, the City says to use a Residential Drop-Off Center. Mattresses are on the accepted bulk items list. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. You can use the centers up to four times per month (once per week).

North — 9003 N Main 77022
Northwest — 14400 Sommermeyer 77041
Northeast — 5565 Kirkpatrick 77028
Southeast — 2240 Central Street 77017
South — 5100 Sunbeam 77033
Southwest — 10785 SW Freeway 77074

What to bring to a drop-off center

A current Texas-issued ID (driver's license, DPS ID, LTC, or Consulate ID).
A current City of Houston utility bill or lease agreement. The address on both documents must match.
Allowed vehicles: pickup trucks and small trailers up to 10 ft long (sideboards up to 4 ft high). U-Hauls, box trucks, Sprinter vans, contractor vehicles and dump trailers are not allowed.
You unload your own items; please limit unloading to 20 minutes.

FAQ

Does Houston pick up mattresses at the curb?

Yes. Mattresses and box springs are accepted junk waste in Houston's Heavy Trash collection, which runs every other month for eligible addresses (up to six curbside collections per year).

When can I put a mattress out for Heavy Trash in Houston?

Between 6:00 p.m. the Friday before and 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. Look up your day with the City's service lookup tool or the HTX Collects app.

Where can I drop off a mattress in Houston?

At any of the City's six Residential Drop-Off Centers (North, Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, South, Southwest), open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bring a Texas ID and a matching City of Houston utility bill or lease.

Can I use a U-Haul at a Houston drop-off center?

No. The City lists U-Hauls, box trucks, Sprinter vans, contractor vehicles and dump trailers as not allowed. Pickup trucks and small trailers up to 10 ft are allowed.

Official sources

Last checked: Oct 23, 2026. Rules change — confirm with the official source before you set anything out.