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How to Dispose of a Mattress in New York City

Last checked: Oct 23, 2026 · Source: NYC311 — Mattress or Box Spring Disposal

New York City picks up mattresses and box springs for free at the curb with your regular trash collection, but only if the mattress is fully sealed in a plastic bag. Pickup appointments are no longer offered.

Quick answer

Cost: free curbside removal of bulk items from residential buildings (DSNY / NYC311).
When: put it out between 6 PM and midnight the evening before your bulk trash collection day — your trash day, NOT your recycling day.
Must be sealed in a plastic bag. NYC311 says bags can be any color except red or orange.
Limit: up to 6 bulk items per collection day.
No appointment: pick-up appointments are no longer offered and cannot be scheduled.

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Step by step

Look up your collection schedule for your address (linked from the NYC311 mattress page below).
Buy a mattress or box spring bag. The City does not provide bags or covers; NYC311 says you can get them at department stores, home improvement stores, and moving supply centers.
Seal the mattress or box spring completely in the plastic bag (any color except red or orange).
Place it at the curb between 6 PM and midnight the evening before your bulk trash collection day.
Do not put it in the street, in front of another property, or anywhere it blocks pedestrians. Items left on private property cannot be picked up.

Fines for doing it wrong

Mattresses and box springs that are not bagged properly will not be collected, and you may be fined.

NYC311's mattress article lists fines of $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second, and $200 for the third and subsequent offenses. DSNY's own Furniture, Mattresses & Rugs page says you may be fined up to $300. Check the official pages linked below for the current amount.

What about the bed frame?

Bed frames count as bulk items.
Frames made mostly of metal or plastic go out between 6 PM and midnight the night before your recycling collection day.
Wood frames go out the night before your trash collection day.
If the frame is in pieces, tie it securely in bundles no larger than 2 x 4 feet.

Bed bugs

If the items are infested with bed bugs, NYC311 says you must put a sign on them saying they have bed bugs, so people know not to take them.

Lots of stuff to get rid of?

NYC311 suggests spreading a large number of items over several collection days, since the limit is 6 bulk items per collection day. There are no public dumps in New York City for bulk items, according to NYC311.

FAQ

Is mattress pickup free in NYC?

Yes. NYC residents get free curbside removal of bulk items from residential buildings, including mattresses and box springs, as long as they follow the set-out rules.

Do I need to schedule a mattress pickup in NYC?

No. NYC311 says pick-up appointments are no longer offered and cannot be scheduled. Put the bagged mattress out between 6 PM and midnight the evening before your bulk trash collection day.

Does the mattress bag have to be clear?

NYC311 says the bag can be any color except red or orange. It must be sealed so the mattress is fully covered.

Does the City give out mattress bags?

No. The City does not provide mattress or box spring bags or covers. NYC311 says you can buy them at department stores, home improvement stores, and moving supply centers.

What is the fine for putting out an unbagged mattress in NYC?

NYC311 lists $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $200 for third and later offenses. DSNY's page says fines can be up to $300. The mattress also will not be collected.

Official sources

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