A mattress is too big for the bin and, in most of San Diego County, too bulky to leave at the curb without an appointment. These are the realistic options.
Ask the store that delivers the new one
California law requires retailers that deliver a new mattress to offer to pick up the old one at no extra charge. If you are buying new, ask about take-back before you pay.
Drop it off for recycling
California runs a statewide mattress recycling program funded by the fee you pay when you buy a mattress. Participating collection sites accept mattresses and box springs from residents; you need a vehicle that fits it and a way to keep it dry.
Schedule a bulky item pickup
Some cities and haulers in the county offer bulky item collection by appointment. Rules, limits and waiting times vary by city and by whether you live in a house or an apartment.
Call a junk removal crew
If the mattress is upstairs, you have no truck or you need it gone today, mattress removal is the simplest route. We carry it out from the bedroom, take the frame and the box spring too, and bring mattresses in acceptable condition to recycling. One bed is a single item pickup.
What not to do
Do not leave it in an alley or next to a dumpster. Illegal dumping carries fines, and a mattress that gets rained on can no longer be recycled.
Disposal rules and fees change. This article is general information for San Diego County residents; check with your city or hauler for the current rules, or call us and we will tell you what applies to your load.