How to Get Rid of a Mattress in Philadelphia, PA

✓ Last verified October 29, 2026 against official Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

On your regular trash day, the city collects up to two large non-metal items per household per week, including mattresses and box springs.
Curbside mattresses and box springs must be bagged and sealed in a plastic mattress bag.
Or drop it off free and unwrapped at any of six Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., with proof of Philadelphia residency.
Mattresses aren't part of the appointment-only Bulk Collection program.

Illustration of an old mattress leaning against a wall

Your options in Philadelphia

Regular trash collection (bagged) Free

The city's residential trash rules treat sofas, mattresses and box springs as compactible furniture that's collected as trash, limited to two items per week. Mattresses and box springs must be bagged and sealed in plastic mattress bags for curbside pickup. The Bulk Collection program page also notes that crews keep collecting up to two large non-metal items per household on regular trash days, including mattresses wrapped in plastic.

Limit: 2 large items per household per week
Prep: Seal the mattress or box spring in a plastic mattress bag

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Residential trash and recycling rules; City of Philadelphia – Residential Bulk Collection Program announcement (Sept. 2024)

Sanitation Convenience Center drop-off (no bag needed) Free

All six centers take mattresses and box springs, and they don't have to be bagged. Oversized items can be dropped off once a week. Show proof of Philadelphia residency. Personal or commercial vehicles under 6,000 pounds are allowed, but not commercial contractors or commercial loads.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed City holidays)
Locations: Southwest: 3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave. (215-685-4290) · Northwest: 300 block Domino Ln., near Umbria St. (215-685-2502) · West: 5100 Grays Ave. (215-685-2600) · Port Richmond: 3901 Delaware Ave. (215-685-1358) · Strawberry Mansion: 2601 Glenwood Ave. (215-685-4293) · Northeast: State Rd. & Ashburner St. (215-685-8072)
Bring: Proof of Philadelphia residency

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Find a sanitation convenience center; City of Philadelphia – Sanitation Recycling & Holiday Guide 2025 (PDF; center addresses and phone numbers); City of Philadelphia – Residential trash and recycling rules

Big apartment buildings and businesses Varies

The city's Bulk Collection program serves homes and buildings with up to six units and says larger apartment buildings, condos and commercial properties must use private haulers. If your building has a private hauler, ask management how mattresses are handled. The convenience centers are open to residents who show proof of Philadelphia residency.

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Schedule trash collection for bulky household items; City of Philadelphia – Find a sanitation convenience center

Old stained mattress leaning against a garage wall by a driveway — Mattresses: check the Philadelphia rules above before you set anything out or drive it to a drop-off.

Don't do this

Don't put an unbagged mattress out at the curb. The city requires a sealed plastic mattress bag.
Don't book a Bulk Collection appointment for a mattress. The program doesn't collect them.
Don't set out more than two large items in one week.

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 Philadelphia'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.

Rather not haul it? See prices for pickup help in the Philadelphia area

Someone else does the lifting for your mattress. You choose the day and where it goes.

Helper loading an old mattress and TV into a pickup truck at the curb

Hourly helpers + truck

Hourly movers/helpers with a truck, you direct the job: they carry it out and drive it where you say. Not a junk-removal company.
See prices & book helpers
HireAHelper lists independent moving helpers paid by the hour. It is not a junk-removal company: they move it where you tell them, so pick a legal drop-off from this guide. Prices depend on your job, and any drop-off fee is separate.

Sponsored link: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Does Philadelphia pick up mattresses?

Yes, with regular trash, up to two large items a week, as long as the mattress or box spring is sealed in a plastic mattress bag.

Where can I drop off a mattress in Philadelphia?

At any of six Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Bring proof of residency. You don't need to bag it there.

Can I use the Bulk Collection program for a mattress?

No. The program lists mattresses as an item it doesn't collect. Put a bagged mattress out on trash day or drop it at a convenience center.

Sources

All checked on October 29, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.