How to Get Rid of a Mattress in New York City, NY
✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official New York City, New York and retailer sources. See sources.
Quick answer
- DSNY collects mattresses, box springs and futons free with your trash on your bulk collection day.
- Seal it in a plastic bag first. DSNY's collection-laws page says the bag must be clear, while NYC311 says any color except red or orange. Use a clear bag to be safe. The City doesn't provide bags.
- Put it out between 6 p.m. and midnight the evening before collection. You can put out up to 6 bulk items per collection day.
- Unbagged mattresses won't be collected. NYC311 lists fines of $50, $100 and then $200 for repeat offenses, and DSNY's mattress page says fines can reach $300.
Your options in New York City
DSNY curbside bulk collection Free
NYC311 says a mattress, box spring or futon can go out with your trash on your bulk collection day. It must be sealed in a plastic bag first, which DSNY requires to help prevent the spread of bed bugs. Mattress bags are sold at department stores, home-improvement stores and moving-supply centers. Sources differ on bag color: DSNY's Collection Laws page says the mattress must be fully contained in a clear plastic bag that's securely sealed, while NYC311 says any color except red or orange. A clear bag satisfies both. DSNY also says to set mattresses out on your trash-only day, not your recycling day. Look up your address's schedule on DSNY's collection-schedule tool or through 311.
- When
- 6 p.m.–midnight the evening before your bulk collection day
- Limit
- Up to 6 bulk items per collection day
- Prep
- Sealed clear plastic bag (DSNY says clear; NYC311 allows any color except red or orange)
- Fines if not bagged
- $50 first offense · $100 second · $200 third and after (NYC311 and DSNY Collection Laws); DSNY's mattress page says up to $300
Sources: NYC311 – Mattress or Box Spring Disposal; DSNY – Collection Laws for Residents; DSNY – Furniture, Mattresses & Rugs; Rules of the City of New York, 16 RCNY § 1-04.1 – Collection of Bedding
Bed frames Free
Bed frames are bulk items. Put mostly metal or plastic frames out the night before recycling day, and wooden frames the night before trash day. Tie pieces in bundles no larger than 2 × 4 feet. Don't block the sidewalk or put items in the street or in front of another property.
Holiday weeks Check with city
Collection can shift on sanitation holidays. Remaining 2026 holidays include Election Day (Nov. 3), Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) and Christmas (Dec. 25). Check NYC311 near the date.
Retailer haul-away Varies
If you're buying a new mattress, ask whether the store will take the old one at delivery. Fees and bagging requirements vary by store.
Don't do this
- Don't put out an unbagged mattress. It won't be collected and you can be fined.
- Don't use a red, orange or other colored bag. DSNY's rules page calls for a clear bag.
- Don't put it out before 6 p.m. the night before collection.
- If bed frames have bed bugs, NYC311 says to put a sign on them saying so.
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 New York City's rules, especially for electronics and paint.
- LoadUp PLACEHOLDER: not a live link
- College HUNKS Hauling Junk PLACEHOLDER: not a live link
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Frequently asked questions
Does DSNY charge to pick up a mattress?
No. Mattresses and box springs go out with your trash on bulk collection day at no charge. They must be sealed in a plastic bag, and a clear bag is safest.
What's the fine for an unbagged mattress in NYC?
NYC311 and DSNY's Collection Laws page list $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second and $200 for a third or later offense. DSNY's Furniture, Mattresses & Rugs page says you may be fined up to $300, so check with the city if you're contesting a ticket.
What color bag do I need for a mattress in NYC?
Use a clear plastic bag. DSNY's Collection Laws page says the bag must be clear, while NYC311 says any color except red or orange. A sealed clear bag meets both.
How do I report a neighbor's unbagged mattress?
Use NYC311's Trash or Recycling Disposal Complaint page. Illegally dumped mattresses go on the Illegal Dumping page.
Sources
All checked on October 21, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.