How to Get Rid of a Mattress in Paterson, NJ

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

Quick answer

  • Paterson accepts any size mattress or box spring as bulk trash, but it must be wrapped in plastic.
  • Schedule a curbside bulk pickup with the Recycle Coach Bulky Tool (since Sept. 2, 2025). Regular trash pickup by FILCO doesn't take bulk items.
  • Or drop it off free at the DPW City Yard, 402 E. 16th St., Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Bring a photo ID showing Paterson residency.
  • Fees: the city's 2025 notice calls scheduled pickups free. Its 2023 flyer charged $50 for each pickup after the first. Confirm when you book.

Your options in Paterson

Scheduled curbside bulk pickup Check with city

Paterson's garbage page says that since September 2, 2025, residents can schedule bulk pickups online through the Recycle Coach Bulky Tool, and it calls the pickup free. The city's 2023 Bulk Trash flyer said the first curbside pickup was free and later ones cost $50 each. We couldn't confirm whether that per-pickup fee still applies, so check the price in the booking tool. The flyer's accepted list includes any size mattress and box springs, which must be wrapped in plastic. Items must be manageable by two people.

Book
Recycle Coach Bulky Tool (linked from the city's Garbage Collection page)
Prep
Mattress/box spring wrapped in plastic
Questions
Mayor's Office, (973) 321-1600

Sources: City of Paterson – Garbage Collection (bulk pickup and drop-off notices); City of Paterson – Bulk Trash Removal flyer (2023, PDF)

Drop off at the DPW City Yard Free

The City Yard accepts bulk items from Paterson residents, and the 2023 flyer says drop-off is free. Bring a valid photo ID showing Paterson residency. Commercial vehicles aren't allowed unless you've made arrangements with DPW. Published hours differ: the 2025 notice lists Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. with a daily 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. closure, and doesn't mention Sunday. The page's contact block lists Sunday 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m., and the 2023 flyer said Sunday 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Don't plan a Sunday trip without calling.

Address
402 E. 16th St., Paterson, NJ 07514
Hours (2025 notice)
Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m., closed 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. daily
Bring
Valid photo ID with Paterson address

Sources: City of Paterson – Garbage Collection (bulk pickup and drop-off notices); City of Paterson – Bulk Trash Removal flyer (2023, PDF)

Don't do this

  • Don't put a mattress out with regular FILCO trash. Bulk items need a scheduled bulk pickup or a City Yard drop-off.
  • Don't put out an unwrapped mattress. The city's list requires plastic wrapping.
  • Don't put paint, tires, construction debris or hazardous materials out with bulk. Paterson lists them as unacceptable.

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 Paterson's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Paterson bulk pickup free?

Drop-off at the City Yard is free. For curbside pickup, the city's 2025 notice calls it free, but the 2023 flyer charged $50 for each pickup after the first. Check the price in the Recycle Coach Bulky Tool or call (973) 321-1600.

Who picks up regular trash in Paterson?

FILCO, twice a week by zone. For missed garbage, call 1-833-GO-FILCO (1-833-463-4526).

Sources

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

  1. City of Paterson – Garbage Collection (bulk pickup and drop-off notices)
  2. City of Paterson – Bulk Trash Removal flyer (2023, PDF)