Mattresses are one of the most common things people need gone, and one of the most commonly left on the curb the wrong way. Philadelphia has specific rules for them.
Option 1: Curbside, sealed in a mattress bag
The city will pick up a mattress or box spring on your regular trash day, but only if it's sealed in a plastic mattress bag. Mattresses, box springs, and sofas count as "compactible furniture," and you're limited to two of those items per week. Hardware stores and moving supply stores sell mattress bags cheaply.
Put it out during the normal set-out window: from 7 p.m. the night before in spring and summer, or 5 p.m. in fall and winter, and no later than 7 a.m. on collection day.
Option 2: Drop it off, no bag needed
All six city sanitation convenience centers accept mattresses and box springs unwrapped, free for Philadelphia residents with proof of residency. They're open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The catch is getting a queen or king mattress there. It won't fit in most cars. See our drop-off guide.
Option 3: Donate it
A mattress in good shape can sometimes be donated, but many charities won't accept used mattresses for hygiene reasons. Call ahead before you haul it anywhere. Stains, tears, sagging, or any sign of bed bugs mean it's not donatable.
Option 4: Have it hauled
If it's upstairs, you don't have a vehicle, or you're clearing more than one bed, a hauler is the easiest route. We carry it down the stairs and out the door, and you never have to wrestle a king mattress around a rowhome staircase.
A few tips
- Bed bugs? Bag it completely before it leaves the room, and tell your hauler upfront. It's the responsible thing for everyone who handles it next.
- Don't store it in the basement "for now." Mattresses absorb moisture and odor fast in damp basements.
- Never leave it in an alley. A mattress is one of the most commonly dumped items in the city, and dumping fines are charged per item. Our dumping guide explains.
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