How to Dispose of a Mattress in Los Angeles (Free Recycling Options)
An old mattress is one of the most awkward things to get rid of. It's too big for the trash, too bulky for most cars, and—in California—illegal to simply dump on the curb. The good news for Angelenos is that you have several legitimate, low-cost, and often completely free ways to get a worn-out mattress out of your bedroom and into a recycling stream instead of a landfill. Here's exactly how to do it in Los Angeles.
First, know the rules in California
California runs a statewide mattress recycling program funded by a small fee you already paid when you bought your current mattress. That fee covers the cost of collecting and recycling old mattresses and box springs at participating sites—which is why drop-off is free at many locations. If you're curious about what that charge on your receipt actually pays for, we explain it in detail on our mattress recycling fee page.
Because of this program, you generally cannot leave a mattress next to a dumpster or toss it in a commercial bin—doing so is considered illegal dumping and can carry a fine. We cover that specific question in our guide on whether you can throw a mattress in the dumpster. The short version: don't. There are better options, and most of them won't cost you a dime.
Option 1: Free haul-away when your new mattress is delivered
The easiest method by far is to let the old mattress leave with the delivery team that brings your new one. When you order from LA Mattress Store, our drivers can remove and recycle your old mattress during the same visit, so you never have to wrestle it down a staircase or strap it to your roof. We deliver across Los Angeles—often the same day—and our mattress delivery service page walks through how white-glove setup and old-mattress removal work.
This is the option most people forget about, and it's usually the most convenient: no trips, no rental truck, no heavy lifting. If you're replacing your mattress anyway, schedule the haul-away at checkout and the problem solves itself.
Option 2: Free drop-off at a mattress recycling site
If you're not buying a replacement right now, you can take the mattress to a participating recycling facility yourself. California's recycling program operates collection sites and periodic community collection events throughout LA County where you can drop off a mattress or box spring at no charge. Recyclers break the unit down into its components—steel springs, foam, wood, and fabric—and divert roughly 75% of it away from the landfill.
Availability and hours change, so the smart move is to look up the nearest active drop-off location before you load up. The official Bye Bye Mattress program (run by the Mattress Recycling Council) publishes a current map of California sites and upcoming collection events; search your ZIP code there to find the closest one. You'll typically need to show that you're a California resident, and there may be a limit on how many units you can drop at once.
Option 3: City of LA bulky-item pickup
Los Angeles residents who pay for city trash service can request a free bulky-item collection through LA Sanitation (LASAN). Schedule a pickup via the MyLA311 app, the 311 website, or by calling 311, then set the mattress out at the curb on your assigned date. It's free for residential customers, though pickups need to be booked in advance rather than left out whenever you like.
If you live in an apartment building, check with your property manager first—multi-unit buildings sometimes have their own bulky-item arrangements, and rules vary between the City of LA and surrounding municipalities like Santa Monica, Glendale, and Pasadena.
Option 4: Donation (if the mattress is still in good shape)
A genuinely clean, structurally sound mattress can sometimes be donated, but expectations should be realistic. Many charities will not accept used mattresses for hygiene and liability reasons, and almost none will take anything with stains, sagging, tears, or any sign of bed bugs. If your mattress is only a couple of years old and in excellent condition, call ahead to local shelters, charity furniture programs, or reuse organizations to ask about their current policy before you haul it over. When in doubt, recycling is the more reliable path.
Option 5: Junk-removal services
If you want the mattress gone today and don't mind paying for convenience, a junk-removal company will come to your door, carry it out, and handle disposal. Expect a fee—this is the priciest option—but it can be worth it for a top-floor walk-up or a mattress you simply can't move yourself. Ask whether the company actually recycles or just landfills; a reputable hauler should be able to tell you.
What about memory foam?
Memory foam mattresses follow the same rules—they're accepted by California's recycling program just like innerspring beds, and the foam itself is recyclable. There are a few extra considerations for foam specifically (it's heavy, dense, and not always accepted by donation centers), which we break down in our guide on how to dispose of a memory foam mattress responsibly.
A quick decision guide
Buying a new mattress? Let the delivery team take the old one—free and effortless. Not replacing it right now? Use a free recycling drop-off or schedule a city bulky-item pickup. Mattress practically new and spotless? Try donating, but call first. Need it gone immediately and willing to pay? Hire a junk hauler. Whatever you choose, skip the dumpster: in California it's illegal, fineable, and completely unnecessary when free options exist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to dispose of a mattress in Los Angeles?
It can be free. Recycling drop-off at participating California sites and City of LA bulky-item curbside pickup for residential trash customers are both no-cost. You only pay if you hire a junk-removal service for door-to-door convenience. And if you're buying a replacement, haul-away of your old mattress is included with delivery from LA Mattress Store.
Can you dispose of a mattress in a dumpster?
No. In California, putting a mattress in a commercial dumpster or leaving it beside one is considered illegal dumping and can result in a fine. Because the state runs a funded recycling program with free drop-off options, there's no reason to risk it—recycle it or schedule a pickup instead.
Where can I recycle a mattress for free near me in Los Angeles?
Use California's Bye Bye Mattress program (run by the Mattress Recycling Council) to find the nearest participating drop-off site or upcoming collection event by ZIP code. Many LA County locations accept mattresses and box springs at no charge. Bring proof of California residency and check current hours before you go.
How do I dispose of a memory foam mattress?
The same way as any other mattress: through California's recycling program, a city bulky-item pickup, or free haul-away with a new mattress delivery. Memory foam is recyclable, but it's dense and heavy and rarely accepted for donation, so recycling is usually the best route.
Do you have to pay a fee to recycle a mattress in California?
Not at drop-off—the recycling is already funded by the small fee you paid when you purchased your mattress. That's what makes free drop-off and collection events possible across the state. You can read more about how that charge works on our mattress recycling fee page.
Ready for a fresh start?
Getting rid of the old mattress is the perfect time to upgrade the one you sleep on. Browse our current mattress deals, and when your new bed is delivered to any of our five LA showrooms' service areas, we'll take the old one away and recycle it for you—so you can fall asleep on something better tonight without a trip to the dump.
