⚡ Quick Facts: Mattress Disposal
- Typical dumpster cost: $275–$400 (10-yard, 7-day rental)
- Extra mattress fee: $20–$50 per mattress (some providers)
- Space needed: King mattress = ~1.5–2 cubic yards
- Recycling states: CA, CT, RI require certified recyclers
- Recyclable rate: Up to 90% of mattress materials
Can You Put a Mattress in a Dumpster?
In most U.S. states, yes—mattresses can be disposed of in dumpsters. However, there are important exceptions and considerations:
🗺️ State Mattress Recycling Laws
Three states have mandatory mattress recycling programs that may affect how you dispose of mattresses:
| State | Law | Recycling Fee | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Used Mattress Recovery Act | $10.50/mattress at purchase | Mattresses must go to certified recyclers |
| Connecticut | Mattress Recycling Program | $11.75/mattress at purchase | Retailer take-back required; recycling funded |
| Rhode Island | Mattress Stewardship Program | $16/mattress at purchase | Statewide recycling network; drop-off available |
If you're in one of these states: Use the Bye Bye Mattress program to find a certified recycler near you.
In all other states, mattresses are generally accepted in dumpsters, though some providers charge an additional fee due to the bulky nature of mattresses.
Mattress Disposal Costs Compared
There are several ways to dispose of a mattress. Here's how dumpster rental compares to alternatives:
| Disposal Method | Cost | Best For | Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dumpster Rental | $275–$400 + fee | Multiple items, cleanouts | ✅ Best value for bulk; ❌ Overkill for 1 mattress |
| Junk Removal | $50–$150/mattress | Single mattress, no lifting | ✅ Convenient; ❌ Expensive for multiple |
| Municipal Pickup | $25–$75 | Budget-conscious | ✅ Cheap; ❌ Scheduled days, curb placement |
| Landfill Drop-off | $20–$50 | DIY with truck/trailer | ✅ Cheapest; ❌ Requires transport |
| Mattress Recycler | $0–$40 | Eco-friendly disposal | ✅ Free in some areas; ❌ Transport needed |
| Retailer Take-back | $0–$50 | Buying new mattress | ✅ Convenient; ❌ Only when purchasing |
Our recommendation: Dumpster rental makes sense when you're disposing of a mattress plus other items—during a move, cleanout, or renovation. For a single mattress alone, junk removal or municipal pickup is more cost-effective.
What Size Dumpster for Mattresses?
Mattresses are bulky and cannot be compressed. Here's the space each size requires:
| Mattress Size | Dimensions | Cubic Yards | How Many Fit in 10-Yard? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" × 75" × 10" | ~0.75 yd³ | 10–12 (flat stacked) |
| Full/Double | 54" × 75" × 10" | ~1.0 yd³ | 8–10 |
| Queen | 60" × 80" × 12" | ~1.3 yd³ | 6–8 |
| King | 76" × 80" × 12" | ~1.7 yd³ | 5–6 |
| California King | 72" × 84" × 12" | ~1.7 yd³ | 5–6 |
Pro tip: Box springs take up similar space. If disposing of a complete bed set plus other furniture, consider a 15 or 20-yard dumpster.
Dumpster Size Recommendations
| Scenario | Recommended Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 mattresses only | 10-yard | $275–$400 |
| Mattresses + bedroom furniture | 15-yard | $350–$475 |
| Whole apartment cleanout | 15-yard | $350–$475 |
| Estate cleanout with multiple beds | 20-yard | $400–$550 |
| Hotel/property manager bulk disposal | 30-yard | $500–$700 |
⚠️ Special Situations
Bed Bug Infested Mattresses
If your mattress has bed bugs:
- Wrap completely in 6-mil plastic sheeting
- Seal all edges with packing tape—no gaps
- Label clearly: "BED BUG INFESTED - DO NOT USE"
- Ask your provider before disposal—some refuse infested items
- Never leave unwrapped curbside or donate—this spreads infestations
Mattresses with Mold
Moldy mattresses from flooding or moisture damage should be:
- Wrapped in plastic to contain spores
- Handled with gloves and N95 mask
- Disposed of promptly—mold spreads quickly
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Dumpsters
Mattresses are up to 90% recyclable. Before using a dumpster, consider these greener options:
What Gets Recycled from a Mattress?
| Component | % of Mattress | Recycled Into |
|---|---|---|
| Steel springs | 25–30% | Scrap metal, rebar, appliances |
| Foam/padding | 20–30% | Carpet padding, pet beds, insulation |
| Fabric/fiber | 25–35% | Insulation, industrial filters, rags |
| Wood frame | 10–20% | Mulch, biomass fuel, particleboard |
Where to Recycle Mattresses
- Bye Bye Mattress: Free drop-off locations in CA, CT, RI (byebyemattress.com)
- Local recyclers: Search "mattress recycling [your city]"
- Municipal programs: Many cities offer special mattress collection days
- Retailer take-back: Casper, Purple, and major retailers often haul away your old mattress when delivering a new one
Donation Options
If your mattress is in good condition (no stains, tears, odors, or pest issues):
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept clean mattresses
- Salvation Army picks up in some areas
- Local homeless shelters may accept donations
- Furniture banks serve families transitioning out of homelessness
Note: Most charities won't accept mattresses older than 10 years or with any visible wear.
Find Mattress-Friendly Dumpster Providers
Compare local providers who accept mattresses. Get free quotes for your cleanout project.
Get Free Quotes →Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a mattress in a dumpster?
In most states, yes—mattresses can be placed in dumpsters. However, California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have mattress recycling laws that require mattresses to be recycled rather than landfilled. Some dumpster providers charge an extra fee ($20–$50) for mattresses due to their bulk. Always confirm with your provider before including mattresses in your rental.
What size dumpster do I need for mattress disposal?
A king mattress takes up about 1.5–2 cubic yards of space. For 1–3 mattresses alone, a 10-yard dumpster is sufficient. If you're disposing of mattresses along with other furniture or household items during a cleanout, a 15–20 yard dumpster provides adequate space. Mattresses cannot be compressed, so account for their full dimensions.
How much does it cost to dispose of a mattress in a dumpster?
A 10-yard dumpster rental costs $275–$400 for a 7-day rental, which can hold multiple mattresses plus other items. Some haulers charge an additional $20–$50 fee per mattress. Compared to junk removal services ($50–$100 per mattress) or municipal pickup ($25–$75), dumpsters offer better value when disposing of multiple items.
What states have mattress recycling laws?
California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have mandatory mattress recycling programs. These states charge a fee at purchase ($10.50–$16) that funds recycling infrastructure. In these states, mattresses must go to certified recyclers, not landfills. Oregon is considering similar legislation. Check your state's regulations before disposal.
Can I recycle a mattress instead of throwing it away?
Yes, mattresses are highly recyclable—up to 90% of components (steel springs, foam, fabric, wood) can be recovered. Many cities have mattress recycling centers. The Bye Bye Mattress program operates in California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Some retailers offer take-back programs when you buy a new mattress.
What if my mattress has bed bugs?
Infested mattresses require special handling. Wrap the mattress completely in plastic (6 mil or thicker) and seal with tape before disposal. Label it "Bed Bug Infested." Many dumpster providers accept wrapped infested mattresses, but some may refuse. Check with your provider first. Do not donate or leave infested mattresses curbside unwrapped—this spreads the infestation.