How to Get Rid of a Mattress in Newark, NJ

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

Quick answer

  • Cover the mattress in plastic first. Newark's ordinance requires it, and DPW says only covered mattresses will be picked up.
  • Curbside bulk day: Zone A is the 1st Wednesday of the month, Zone B the 2nd Wednesday. Up to 10 bulk items per property.
  • Or request a mattress pickup on DPW's Schedule a Pickup page (limit 3 per collection; pickups by ward, Monday–Friday).
  • You can also drop mattresses at a DPW service center. Questions: Newark DPW, 973-733-3644.

Your options in Newark

Curbside bulk collection on your zone's bulk day Free

Newark Public Works lists mattresses as bulk items, along with couches, tables, chairs, dressers and rugs. Bulk is collected curbside twice a month, once per zone. Each residence can put out up to 10 bulk items on its bulk day; anything over 10 has to be removed by a private hauler the same day at the owner's expense. City ordinance requires mattresses to be covered in plastic before disposal, and bans storing bulky waste such as mattresses outside except on collection days. The city doesn't list a fee or a set-out time for bulk, so check with the city.

When
Zone A: 1st Wednesday of each month. Zone B: 2nd Wednesday of each month (use DPW's Locate My Zone map)
Limit
Up to 10 bulk items per property; up to 3 covered mattresses
Prep
Cover the mattress in plastic (required by city ordinance)
Questions
Newark DPW customer service, 973-733-3644

Sources: Newark Public Works – Trash & Bulk Collection; Newark Public Works – Schedule a Pickup; City of Newark Code, Ch. 15:4 Collection and Disposal (§15:4-11)

Request a mattress pickup Free

DPW's Schedule a Pickup page has a mattress pickup request. It says only covered mattresses will be picked up, with a limit of 3 per collection, and that pickup is done by ward: Central (Monday), East (Tuesday), North (Wednesday), South (Thursday) and West (Friday). The same page also describes monthly zone bulk days, so it isn't clear how the two schedules fit together. Check with the city at 973-733-3644 when you book. No fee is listed.

Pickup days by ward
Central – Mon, East – Tue, North – Wed, South – Thu, West – Fri
Limit
3 covered mattresses per collection

Sources: Newark Public Works – Schedule a Pickup; Newark Public Works – Service Centers

Drop off at a DPW service center Free

Newark Public Works says its service centers accept mattresses and bulk items along with household trash and recycling. Sources give different hours: the service-centers page and the Schedule a Pickup page say Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m., while DPW's announcement of the centers said Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Call 973-733-3644 before you go. Cover the mattress in plastic first.

North Ward
61 Verona Ave.
West/Central Ward
244 S. 12th St.
South Ward
99 Earl St.
East Ward
29 Waydell St.
Hours
Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–3 p.m. (service-centers page); DPW's earlier announcement said 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Sources: Newark Public Works – Service Centers; Newark Public Works – Schedule a Pickup; Newark Public Works – Service centers announcement

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 out an uncovered mattress. Newark's ordinance requires mattresses to be covered in plastic, and DPW won't pick up uncovered ones.
  • Don't leave a mattress outside except on a collection day. City ordinance bans storing bulky waste outside in residential areas.
  • Don't put out more than 10 bulk items. Anything over 10 must go with a private hauler at your expense.
  • Don't mix in construction debris, drywall, glass, windows or tires. Newark won't take them as bulk.

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 Newark's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Yes. City ordinance 15:4-11 requires mattresses to be covered in plastic before disposal, and DPW says only covered mattresses will be picked up.

Is mattress pickup free in Newark?

The city's pages don't list a fee for bulk or mattress pickup. Removal of more than 10 bulk items by a private hauler is at the owner's expense.

When is bulk day in Newark?

Zone A is the 1st Wednesday of each month and Zone B the 2nd Wednesday. Use DPW's Locate My Zone map or call 973-733-3644.

Sources

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

  1. Newark Public Works – Trash & Bulk Collection
  2. Newark Public Works – Schedule a Pickup
  3. Newark Public Works – Service Centers
  4. Newark Public Works – Service centers announcement
  5. City of Newark Code, Ch. 15:4 Collection and Disposal (§15:4-11)