Mattress Disposal: Why You Can’t Just Leave It on the Curb

Tony Chiha
May 9th, 2026
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Target Keyword: mattress disposal

If you have ever tried to get rid of an old mattress, you know the frustration. It is too big for the trash, too heavy to carry alone, and in California, you cannot just leave it on the curb. Mattress disposal has specific rules, and ignoring them can result in fines. Here is what you need to know about disposing of your mattress the right way in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Why Mattresses Cannot Go in the Trash

In 2016, California established the Used Mattress Recovery and Recycling Act, which created the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) to manage the collection and recycling of used mattresses and box springs. Under this program:

Mattresses are considered recyclable products, not trash.
Retailers collecting a mattress during delivery of a new one must recycle the old one.
Municipalities are encouraged to provide mattress recycling options.
Illegally dumped mattresses cost cities millions of dollars in cleanup each year.

The Illegal Dumping Problem

Mattresses are one of the most commonly illegally dumped items in Los Angeles. You have probably seen them on street corners, in alleys, and on freeway on-ramps. Illegal dumping:

Creates blight and reduces property values.
Attracts pests and creates health hazards.
Costs LA County taxpayers over $25 million annually in cleanup.
Can result in fines of $1,000 or more for the person caught dumping.

Please do not be part of the problem. There are easy, affordable, and legal ways to get rid of your mattress.

Legal Mattress Disposal Options

Option 1: Retailer take-back. When you buy a new mattress, many retailers will haul away your old one for free or a small fee. California law requires retailers to provide this information at the point of sale.

Option 2: City bulky item pickup. Most cities in LA and Orange County offer free bulky item pickup for residents. You typically need to call or schedule online, and pickups may take one to two weeks. Check with your specific city for details.

Option 3: Drop-off at a collection site. The Mattress Recycling Council operates collection sites throughout California where you can drop off mattresses for free. Visit ByeByeMattress.com for locations near you.

Option 4: Professional junk removal. Call 911 Junk California and we will pick up your mattress from wherever it is — bedroom, garage, storage unit — and ensure it is properly recycled. No waiting weeks for a city pickup, no hauling it yourself.

What Happens When a Mattress Is Recycled?

A typical mattress contains:

Steel springs: Melted down and recycled into new metal products.
Foam: Shredded and used for carpet padding, animal bedding, or insulation.
Fabric and fiber: Converted into industrial filters or insulation.
Wood frames: Chipped for mulch or biomass energy.

Up to 90% of a mattress’s materials can be recycled. Since the MRC program began, millions of mattresses have been diverted from California landfills.

How Much Does Mattress Removal Cost?

Single mattress removal with 911 Junk California typically costs $75 to $150. If you have multiple mattresses or are combining with other junk removal, the per-item cost decreases. We always provide a clear price upfront.

Get Rid of Your Mattress Today

Do not let an old mattress sit in your garage or take up space in your home. Call 911 Junk California at (562) 204-6335 or book online at 911junkca.com and save $20. We handle the pickup, hauling, and recycling. Serving all of Los Angeles and Orange County.

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