How to Dispose of a Mattress in San Francisco (Free & Paid Options)
From free Recology bulky pickup to mattress recycling drop-offs and same-day haul-away — every legal way to get rid of a mattress in SF.
Dumping a mattress on the curb in San Francisco is illegal and can carry fines of up to $1,000. The good news: SF actually has more legal mattress disposal options than almost any other US city — including free pickup. Here's exactly how to use each one in 2026.
Why you can't just leave it on the sidewalk
San Francisco enforces strict illegal dumping rules through DPW. A reported curb-dumped mattress can mean fines, and ironically, you'd still have to pay to remove it. The legal alternatives below are all free or low-cost.
Option 1 — Free SF Recology bulky item pickup
If you have residential trash service through Recology Sunset Scavenger or Golden Gate Disposal, you get up to 10 free bulky item pickups per year, and a mattress counts as one item.
- 1Call Recology at (415) 330-1300 or schedule online via your account.
- 2Pick a pickup date (typically 2–4 weeks out).
- 3Place the mattress on the curb the night before, sealed in a mattress disposal bag if it's wet or stained (required).
Catch
Recology bulky pickup is slow — wait times often run 3–4 weeks, and they won't take a mattress that has been rained on or has bed bugs.
Option 2 — Drop it off at a mattress recycler
California's Mattress Recycling Council runs a free statewide drop-off program. The closest options to San Francisco:
- SF Recycling & Disposal — 501 Tunnel Ave, San Francisco (Bayview).
- DR3 Recycling — 1313 Yosemite Ave, San Francisco.
- Davis Street Transfer Station — 2615 Davis St, San Leandro.
Drop-off is free, but you'll need a pickup truck, straps, and someone to help lift. Always call ahead — hours and acceptance rules change.
Option 3 — Same-day mattress haul-away service
If you don't want to wait weeks for Recology, can't haul it yourself, or have a stained, wet, or bed-bug-affected mattress (which most free programs reject), professional pickup is the easiest route.
- JYR Junk Removal: mattress pickup from $89 anywhere in San Francisco.
- Same-day or next-day appointments.
- Any size — twin through California King.
- Box springs included if booked together.
- Recycled through certified MRC facilities whenever possible.
Option 4 — Donate it (only if it's still in great shape)
Most Bay Area thrift stores will not accept used mattresses due to California bedding laws. Exceptions:
- St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco — accepts gently used mattresses with no stains, tears, or odors. Call ahead at (415) 592-2645.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Bay Area) — accepts new or like-new mattresses only.
What about box springs, frames, and bed bugs?
Box springs follow the same rules as mattresses. Metal frames can go to scrap metal recyclers (often free or paid by weight). Bed-bug-affected mattresses must be sealed in a labeled disposal bag and disposed of as regular trash via professional pickup — most free programs will refuse them.
Need it gone today?
We'll text you a firm price in 60 seconds and pick up your mattress same-day. Call (510) 904-1381 or book online.
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