Mattress Disposal in Orange County: All Your Options in 2026

Your Options for Mattress Disposal in Orange County

You have several options for getting rid of an old mattress in Orange County:

1. Professional junk removal (911 Junk CA): $75–$150. Same-day pickup. We load it and haul it away. Easiest option.

2. Mattress recycling programs: Some retailers (Mattress Firm, IKEA) offer haul-away when you buy a new mattress. Ask about this before your delivery.

3. Donation: Mattresses in like-new condition can be donated to local shelters and nonprofits. Most don't accept used mattresses due to hygiene concerns.

4. Orange County bulky item pickup: Some OC cities offer free bulky item pickup once or twice per year. Check your city's waste management website — there's usually a wait and specific scheduling requirements.

5. Curb alert on Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace: Post your mattress as free on the curb. Success varies widely.

Why You Shouldn't Just Leave a Mattress on the Curb

Leaving a mattress on the curb without scheduling city pickup is illegal in most Orange County cities and can result in fines of $100–$500. Some cities require proof of scheduled city pickup before placing items at the curb.

The simplest, guaranteed-legal option is calling a junk removal service. For $75–$125, your mattress is gone same-day and disposed of responsibly.

Mattress Recycling in Orange County

California's Mattress Recycling Council operates the Bye Bye Mattress program. You can drop off mattresses at designated recycling facilities where up to 95% of the materials are recovered and recycled.

Recycled components include steel springs (melted for new steel products), foam (reused in carpet padding), and cotton fibers (used in industrial insulation).

If you prefer recycling and don't mind transporting the mattress yourself, this is the most environmentally friendly option. If you'd rather not deal with it, call 911 Junk CA at 562-204-6335.