How to Dispose of a Mattress in San Diego

Mattresses are one of the trickiest things to get rid of — they're bulky, banned from most regular trash pickups, and illegal to dump. The good news: San Diego has several legitimate options, from free recycling to same-day haul-away. Here's how to pick the right one.

Option 1: Free mattress recycling (California's Bye Bye Mattress program)

California runs a statewide mattress recycling program funded by a fee you already paid at purchase, so drop-off is free at participating locations. You'll need to load and transport it yourself, and it must be dry and free of bed bugs. Search "Bye Bye Mattress" for the nearest San Diego collection site.

Option 2: City of San Diego bulky item pickup

If you get city trash service, you may qualify for a limited number of free bulky-item collections per year. You'll typically need to schedule ahead and place the mattress at the curb on your assigned day. Availability and rules vary by neighborhood and hauler, so confirm before you drag it out.

Option 3: Donate it (if it's still in good shape)

Gently used, clean mattresses can sometimes be donated to local charities or shelters. Note that many won't accept mattresses for hygiene reasons, and most require it to be stain- and damage-free, so call ahead.

Option 4: Same-day mattress removal

If you don't have a truck, don't want to wait for a scheduled city pickup, or need it gone today, full-service removal is the fastest route. We carry it down the stairs, out of the bedroom — you don't lift a thing — and make sure it's recycled properly. Single mattress removal starts around $65 (our $185 minimum applies).

What you can't do

• Leave it in an alley, canyon or by a dumpster — that's illegal dumping (fines up to $10,000 in CA).
• Put it in your regular curbside bin — mattresses aren't accepted.
• Burn it or break it down for regular trash — the components must be recycled.

Frequently asked questions