How to Get Rid of a Mattress in Chicago, IL

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Chicago, Illinois and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • City garbage service covers single-family homes and buildings with four units or less. Larger buildings use private haulers.
  • The city says to arrange a bulk pickup with your ward's Streets and Sanitation superintendent before you put out a large item. Contact 311 or your ward office.
  • In a 5+ unit building, ask your landlord or building's hauler.

Your options in Chicago

City bulk pickup (homes and buildings of 1–4 units) Check with city

Chicago's sanitation code guidelines tell residents to "arrange with your Streets and Sanitation ward superintendent for a bulk pick-up before putting out any large item or extra load of trash." The city lists ward and division sanitation office phone numbers, and 311 handles non-emergency city service requests. Guidance differs between sources: at least one ward office website says the city "no longer provides bulk pickup services" and tells residents to place large items next to their garbage cart on collection day. Call 311 or your ward office to confirm the current process for your address before setting a mattress out.

CHI311
Dial 311 in Chicago · 312-744-5000 from outside the Chicago area · CHI311 app/website
Ward offices
Phone numbers are on the city's Division and Ward Sanitation Offices page

Sources: City of Chicago – Sanitation Code Violation (general sanitation guidelines); City of Chicago – Division and Ward Sanitation Offices; City of Chicago – 311 City Services; 44th Ward (Ald. Bennett Lawson) – Streets & Sanitation

Buildings with five or more units Varies

The city defines residential garbage as coming from single-family homes or buildings of four units or less. Owners of larger apartment buildings must arrange private or licensed scavenger pickup, so ask your landlord or property manager how mattresses are handled.

Source: City of Chicago – Sanitation Code Violation (general sanitation guidelines)

Don't do this

  • Don't set a mattress out before arranging the pickup. The city's guidelines say to arrange it first.
  • Don't block the alley. At least one ward office notes city code prohibits obstructing it.
  • Don't leave a mattress on a vacant lot or the public way. That's illegal dumping ("fly dumping").

Or pay someone to haul it

If you can't get it to a drop-off site, or can't wait for city pickup, a junk-removal service can take it from inside your home. Prices depend on the company, your location and the size of the load, so get a quote first. Ask whether they recycle or donate items and whether they follow Chicago's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the City of Chicago pick up mattresses?

For homes and buildings of four units or less, the city's guidelines say to arrange a bulk pickup with your ward Streets and Sanitation superintendent before putting out a large item. Call 311 or your ward office to confirm the current process.

I live in a large apartment building. Who takes my mattress?

Buildings with more than four units aren't covered by city garbage collection. Owners must arrange private or licensed scavenger service, so ask your landlord or property manager.

How do I contact Streets and Sanitation?

Call 311 (or 312-744-5000 from outside Chicago), use the CHI311 app or website, or call your ward's sanitation office. Numbers are listed on the city's Division and Ward Sanitation Offices page.

Sources

All checked on October 21, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.

  1. City of Chicago – Sanitation Code Violation (general sanitation guidelines)
  2. City of Chicago – Division and Ward Sanitation Offices
  3. City of Chicago – 311 City Services
  4. 44th Ward (Ald. Bennett Lawson) – Streets & Sanitation