How to Get Rid of a Mattress in Clifton, NJ

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Clifton, New Jersey and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • Mattresses are bulk waste in Clifton. They're collected on your first garbage day of the week, which is Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday depending on your section.
  • Put it at the curb after 6 p.m. the night before. You can put out up to 2 bulk items, at the first collection of the week only.
  • Don't put bulk waste out on Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
  • Questions: 973-470-2239.

Your options in Clifton

Curbside bulk waste collection Free

Clifton's garbage rules define bulk waste as mattresses, furniture, wooden cabinets and doors, tables, lumber and rugs. Lumber and rugs must be cut to 4-foot lengths and tied. Bulk waste is collected on your first garbage day of the week. Place it neatly at the curb after 6 p.m. the night before, with a maximum of 2 items. The city doesn't list a fee. Its rules page doesn't mention wrapping or bagging mattresses, but bagging helps keep things clean. Ask the Recycling Office if you're unsure.

When
First garbage day of your week (Mon, Tue or Wed – see the city's Recycling Guide for your section)
Set-out time
After 6 p.m. the night before
Limit
2 bulk items, first collection only
Questions
973-470-2239 (collection) · 973-470-2237 (general)

Source: City of Clifton – Rules for the Collection of Garbage

Retailer haul-away Varies

If you're buying a new mattress, ask the retailer whether it will take the old one at delivery. Fees vary.

Don't do this

  • Don't put a mattress out Thursday through Saturday. Clifton says bulk waste is only for the first garbage day of the week.
  • Don't put out more than 2 bulk items.
  • Don't put it in the street. Clifton says failure to follow its rules could result in a summons.

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 Clifton's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Is mattress pickup free in Clifton?

Clifton's rules page lists no fee. Mattresses are collected as bulk waste on your first garbage day of the week, up to 2 items.

Do I have to wrap my mattress in plastic in Clifton?

The city's rules page doesn't say so. Neighboring Passaic and Paterson both require plastic wrapping, so call 973-470-2239 if you want to be sure.

Sources

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

  1. City of Clifton – Rules for the Collection of Garbage