Moving is the perfect time to finally replace that 10-year-old mattress, but now you're stuck with 60 pounds of springs and foam that won't fit in your trash bin. Los Angeles has strict mattress disposal laws—illegal dumping fines start at $500. Here's every legal way to dispose of your mattress, from free pickup to recycling programs that keep it out of landfills.
Free Mattress Disposal Options
LA Sanitation bulk pickup (FREE):Best option for LA city residents. Schedule online at MyLA311.lacity.org or call 1-800-773-2489. Place mattress at curb night before pickup. Wrap in plastic (law requires it). They take up to 4 mattresses. Wait time: 1-2 weeks.
Retailer take-back programs:Buying new? Most retailers remove old mattress:
- Mattress Firm: Free with delivery
- IKEA: $30-50 service
- Costco: Included with white glove delivery
- Saatva: Free removal
- Purple: Free with setup service
Ask when purchasing—don't assume it's included.
Apartment complex disposal:Many LA complexes have bulk item days. Check with management. Leave by dumpster only on designated days. Otherwise it's illegal dumping on property.
Donation Options (If Mattress Qualifies)
Strict donation requirements:
- No stains whatsoever
- No bed bugs (ever)
- No structural damage
- No missing parts
- Less than 7 years old
- Must have tags
Who accepts mattresses:
Habitat for Humanity ReStorePickups for good condition only. Call (323) 989-4092. They'll inspect before accepting.
St. Vincent de PaulFree pickup if donating multiple items. Mattress alone? Usually no. Call (323) 224-6280.
Donation TownSchedules pickups for multiple charities. Visit DonationTown.org. Enter ZIP for options.
Reality check: 90% of used mattresses get rejected for donation.
Recycling Programs
Bye Bye Mattress (FREE):California's official program. Over 95% of mattress gets recycled. Find locations at ByeByeMattress.com.
Drop-off locations near LA:
- Downtown: 459 E Jefferson Blvd
- Sun Valley: 11030 Randall St
- Gardena: 1908 W 130th St
No appointment needed. Proof of California residency required. They accept box springs too.
Private recycling services:
- Dr. Mattress: $45-80 pickup
- Mattress Recycling Council: Various locations
- Local waste management: Check your provider
Paid Disposal Services
Junk removal companies:
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK: $75-150
- College Hunks: $80-120
- LoadUp: $65-100
- TaskRabbit: $50-100
Price includes labor and disposal. Same-day service available. They handle stairs.
SOS Moving disposal assistance:While moving, we can transport mattress to disposal site. Add-on service during your move. Saves separate trip/scheduling.
What NOT to Do
Illegal dumping penalties:
- Street/sidewalk: $500-3,000 fine
- Empty lot: $1,000+ fine
- Dumpster diving: Trespassing charges
- Alley dumping: Code enforcement action
Cameras everywhere in LA. They will find you.
Why not regular trash?Mattresses banned from landfills since 2016. Garbage trucks won't take them. You'll get warning, then fine.
DIY Transport Options
Rent a truck:
- U-Haul pickup: $29.95 + mileage
- Home Depot rental: $19 first 75 minutes
- Lowes: Similar pricing
Roof transport:Legal if properly secured. Need: Plastic wrap, ratchet straps (not rope), red flag if overhanging. Maximum 4 feet overhang. Drive under 45 mph.
Reality: One trip costs $50-75. Professional removal similar price.
Timing Your Disposal
Best approach:
- Schedule disposal 2 weeks before move
- Sleep on air mattress temporarily
- New mattress delivered to new address
- Never deal with moving old mattress
If keeping until moving day:Coordinate disposal with moving company. Some offer transport to disposal. Cheaper than separate service.
Mattress Condition Assessment
Worth keeping if:
- Under 7 years old
- No visible sagging
- No stains or damage
- Still comfortable
- Quality brand
Definitely dispose if:
- Over 10 years old
- Visible sagging/lumps
- Stains or odors
- Allergy issues
- Spring noise
Moving costs $50-100 for mattress transport. New mattress similar price. Why move junk?
Special Circumstances
Bed bugs:Must wrap in plastic completely. Mark "BED BUGS" clearly. Regular disposal won't take. Call specialized removal. Costs $200-400.
Memory foam:Heavier than spring mattresses. Harder to recycle. Some programs won't accept. Check first.
Waterbeds:Drain completely first. Vinyl goes regular trash. Frame disposed separately.
Adjustable beds:Electronics require special disposal. Best Buy takes bases. Motors to e-waste center.
Disposal by Area
City of LA: Free bulk pickup available
Santa Monica: Call (310) 458-8237 for pickup
Beverly Hills: Annual free pickup events
Burbank: Bulk item pickup $25
Glendale: Schedule through GlendaleCA.gov
Long Beach: Call (562) 570-2876
Check your specific city—rules vary significantly.
Environmental Impact
Why recycling matters:
- 50,000 mattresses dumped illegally in LA annually
- Each mattress = 40 cubic feet landfill space
- 90% of materials recyclable
- Steel springs become new products
- Foam becomes carpet padding
Do the right thing. It's often free anyway.
Moving Day Mattress Strategy
Instead of moving your old mattress, use your moving budget smarter:
- Dispose before move (free-$100)
- Order new mattress to new address
- Save moving space/cost
- Start fresh in new home
Cost to move mattress: $50-100Cost to dispose: $0-100New mattress delivered: Starting $200
Quick Decision Guide
Free disposal: LA Sanitation bulk pickupFastest: Junk removal same-dayMost environmental: Bye Bye Mattress recyclingMoving anyway: Ask movers about disposal transport
Schedule disposal before your move, not after. Your new place shouldn't start with old mattress problems.
Need help moving WITHOUT that old mattress? SOS Moving helps coordinate disposal during your move. Call 909-443-0004 to discuss options. Focus on your new beginning, not old mattress logistics.
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