How to Get Rid of a Mattress in Elizabeth, NJ

✓ Last verified October 22, 2026 against official Elizabeth, New Jersey and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Elizabeth lets each property put out three household items, such as mattresses, couches, tables and dressers, with regular garbage.
Only on the second garbage day of the week: Thursday (Wards 1–3) or Friday (Wards 4–6). Not Monday or Tuesday.
Set it out after 6 p.m. the night before. The city's calendar lists no fee or appointment for household items.
Questions: Elizabeth DPW 24-hour hotline, (908) 820-4150.

Illustration of an old mattress leaning against a wall

Your options in Elizabeth

Put it out with your second garbage day Free

The city's 2026 recycling and trash calendar says each property may put three household items out with regular garbage on the second garbage day of the week, either Thursday or Friday depending on location. Household items include couches, tables, chairs, mattresses, dressers, closets, rugs and vanities. Wards 1–3 have garbage on Mondays and Thursdays, and Wards 4–6 on Tuesdays and Fridays. Public Works inspectors enforce the rules with summonses.

When: Thursday (Wards 1, 2, 3) or Friday (Wards 4, 5, 6). Not Monday or Tuesday
Limit: 3 household items per property
Set-out: At the curb the night before, after 6 p.m.
Questions: DPW, (908) 820-4150 (Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; 24-hour hotline)

Source: City of Elizabeth – 2026 Trash & Recycling Calendar (PDF)

Hire help to carry it out Varies

If you have more than three items, or can't get the mattress to the curb yourself, moving helpers or a junk-removal company can haul it for a fee.

Source: City of Elizabeth – 2026 Trash & Recycling Calendar (PDF)

Don't do this

Don't put a mattress out on a Monday or Tuesday garbage day.
Don't put out more than three household items in one week.
Don't put it out before 6 p.m. the night before.

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 Elizabeth's rules, especially for electronics and paint. Another option is to hire moving helpers by the hour: they do the lifting, and with a truck they can drive it to a drop-off site. They move it where you tell them, so pick a legal destination from this guide.

Frequently asked questions

What day can I put a mattress out in Elizabeth, NJ?

On your second garbage day of the week: Thursday for Wards 1–3, Friday for Wards 4–6. Put it out after 6 p.m. the night before.

How many bulk items can I put out in Elizabeth?

Three household items per property, such as mattresses, couches, tables, chairs and dressers.

Does Elizabeth charge for mattress pickup?

The city's 2026 calendar lists no fee for household items put out with regular garbage.

Sources

All checked on October 22, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.