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You may not believe it, but the idea of disposing of an old mattress in New York City by simply throwing it out over a curb is unfortunately misplaced. More than one hundred fifty thousand mattresses are thrown out by New Yorkers each year, and believe me, it is not as easy as you would guess. In New York City, where there are strict sanitation laws and heavy penalties for their infringement, mattress disposal can sometimes be like a survival game. But there is no need to worry – by the end of this guide, you’ll be able to dispose of your old mattress like a specialist. Let's explore the ins and outs of mattress disposal in NYC.
This time, let's focus on rules—as if you did not already know, New York is the abridged version of Rome and has expanded its provisions to include regulations as well as pizza!
When I moved to the city for the first time, I, the naivety of an American, thought that it would be cut and dry getting rid of an old mattress by dragging it to the curb. Man, did I get a shock! It's a shame that the Nyc Department of Sanitation has everyone's least favourite rule about how to dispose of a mattress compared to what I have socks in my dere.
This is when it becomes complex. The rules may be different depending on where in the state you live. For instance, Manhattan might offer more frequent collection options than outer boroughs. And let's not even start on the disparities between residential and commercial disposal!
Importance: Bag your mattress before leaving it curbside, or face a $100 extra cost!
Here's a helpful tip: Always check the DSNY website before you get rid of your stuff. I swear these rules change more often than subway timetables!
Oh, and to warn you, if you do not adhere to these rules—and some of you probably will not—you can expect a fine that will ram your purse. We are talking about amounts that perhaps would go up to a hundred dollars for a first-timer who breaks the rules.
Having said all the legal stuff, let us now do some business and talk about how to dispose of that vast and shapeless thing!
Choose this option for a regular-sized mattress. Just follow a straightforward rule: put it in a bag before you take it out! I found this hard when I left my old futon outside without covering it. The junk collectors weren't happy about it.
Do you have an enormous mattress past its prime? You should arrange a particular collection. Call the DSNY at least 24 hours ahead. Take it from me: it's much simpler than cramming that monster into a regular garbage bag!
Sometimes, you need professional help. NYC has many companies that focus on mattress removal. They cost a lot but so does a herniated disc from trying to wrestle a memory foam beast down five flights of stairs.
For people who care about the environment, recycling centres accept old mattresses. The downside? You have to deliver it yourself. But it's a good reason for a drive... to Staten Island.
The easiest way to dispose of your mattress is to donate it. If your mattress is still in decent condition, consider giving it. Groups such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill may accept it. Before donating your mattress, make sure it is clean and free of stains, tears, and bed bugs.
What’s up, guys and girls who care for the planet? One way we can work towards saving our earth is to go green, one mattress at a time.
How many people knew that approximately 80 percent of all mattresses are recyclable? Yes, you heard it correctly. your old bed does not necessarily have to be in a landfill. Here in NYC, we've got some excellent choices for those who want to rest easy knowing they've helped the environment.
To start, we have the NYC Mattress Recycling Program. It works like a spa treatment for your old mattress, breaking it down and giving its materials a new purpose. The steel springs might become part of a tall building, the foam could transform into carpet padding, and the fabric might become a trendy bag in Brooklyn.
Some great companies also focus on -friendly mattress removal. I used Junk All Mighty when I last needed to get rid of an old mattress, and I can tell you, watching them fit that mattress into their truck like a puzzle was more fun than a show on Broadway!
For the DIY fans (I see you, Williamsburg), why not try upcycling? I once spotted a dude who turned his old mattress springs into a quirky garden trellis. Was it strange? Yep. Did it do the job? You bet. The options are as limitless as the queue at Trader Joe's on a Sunday!
Alright, let's roll up our sleeves and tackle mattress prep. It's not glamorous, but neither is getting the evil eye from your neighbourhood trash collector.
Step 1: Look it over. Consider cleaning it if it's more stained than a Jackson Pollock painting. Baking soda and some effort can make a big difference.
Step 2: Look for bed bugs. If you spot any unwanted six-legged residents, STOP EVERYTHING. You'll need to call experts for this one. I found this hard after a bad experience with a used futon. Shudder
Step 3: Put it in a bag! Remember those plastic mattress bags I talked about earlier? They're now your closest ally. Here's a tip: Try to put the bag on like a pillowcase. It's similar to dressing a giant rectangular baby.
Step 4: Take apart the mattress if you want to be fancy (or if your building says you must). But watch out: once you start tugging on those strings, you can't undo it. It's similar to opening a tin of springs that jump at you!
Put safety first, everyone! Mattresses weigh more than you think. I once tried to move a king-size by myself and got stuck under memory foam doing yoga. I didn't plan. It was not my best moment.
Tips: Like mattresses, yard debris needs proper handling to maintain our city's cleanliness. Check out our in-depth guide to learn how to get rid of yard waste properly.
Let's speak about cash, honey! Getting rid of a mattress in NYC can cost you nothing or make you think, "Maybe I should've just kept sleeping on this bumpy thing."
Here's some good news: curbside pickup costs nothing if you follow the rules. That's correct; it's free. But remember, New York never gives anything away. This service is included in your taxes, so why not use it?
If you opt for private removal, prepare to be charged between $50 and $200 USD. The price depends on your mattress size and the number of floors the removers have to go through. I once lived on the sixth floor without an elevator. Let me tell you, seeing the face of the removal guy made that $150 fee seem worth every dollar.
Recycling centres ask for a small payment of $20-$30. But come on, can you assign a value to protecting the Earth? (As it happens, yes, you can.)
Getting rid of stuff yourself is the most budget-friendly choice, but remember to count the price of plastic bags, possible back doctor appointments, and the unavoidable pizza payoff for your pals who lent a hand. The total climbs faster than your bill during discount drinks!
You've decided to call for help. Good choice! But in a city where mattress removal services outnumber pigeons, how do you pick them?
Start by checking their credentials. Do they have a license? Insurance? Are their reviews positive, or does their Yelp page read like a book of scary stories? I once hired a company with just one 1-star review that said, "They took my mattress... and my cat." Heads up: It didn't turn out well.
Ask them how they get rid of old mattresses. Any good company should have ways to do it that don't harm the planet. If they say, they're "giving" your ancient, spring-popping mattress to "clouds in need," get out of there fast.
Get prices from several companies. Costs can change significantly, like how hot subway cars get in August. But keep in mind that the cheapest choice is only sometimes the best. You'll get what you pay for; in this case, you're paying to avoid hurting your back.
My tip? Junk All Mighty. They're on time, skilled, and didn't side-eye me for the weird marks on my old futon. Top-notch service!
Ah, apartment life in NYC – where "roomy" means you can simultaneously open the fridge and the front door. When it comes to getting rid of mattresses, we face our own unique set of problems.
Let's talk about the nightmare of the tight hallway shuffle. I once had to turn a queen-size mattress in a hallway so narrow that I felt like I was acting out that "PIVOT!" scene from Friends all over again. Here's some advice: Check your hallway width before buying a new mattress. You can thank me later.
Elevators can be your greatest ally and worst foe. Yes, they save you from climbing stairs, but have you tried to cram a California King into an elevator made for tiny creatures? Except in Tetris, you are on a stupid brick and falling.
Consider hiring pros if you live in a walk-up (your quads deserve praise). I learned this after my do-it-yourself mattress removal attempt left me stuck between my mattress and the stairwell wall. My neighbours still refer to me as "Mattress Man."
Make sure to check with your building management first. Some buildings have specific rules about when to remove stuff or which removal services to use. Ignore these, and you might regret it – unless you enjoy getting snarky notes from your super.
Think outside the box for those without easy street access (I'm talking about inner courtyard apartments). Once, I saw a guy using a rope to lower a mattress from his fire escape. Was it allowed? No. Was it fun to watch? You bet.
You might not believe it, but NYC has a mattress disposal season. Who would have thought?
Summer sees the most mattress disposals. Why? Two words: moving season. Leases end, students leave, and everyone decides to start fresh – and sleep on a new mattress. The downside? Removal services get as busy as a bodega at lunch.
Winter, however, slows things down. Removal services might offer deals, but do you want to lug a mattress down a slippery sidewalk? I tried it once and ended up sliding down 5th Avenue on a twin XL. It was not my finest hour.
Spring and fall are the best times—they are not crowded and they are not freezing, making it perfect for getting rid of your mattress without trouble.
The weather has a more significant effect than you might expect. Nothing destroys a mattress faster than a surprise shower. I once put a mattress outside on a "clear" day. Two hours later, I owned a 150-pound sponge.
Here's a tip: Look at the weather forecast if you're leaving it at the curb. If it's going to rain, hold off. Your trash collectors will appreciate that you did not extend their arms to the pickup of a drenched old mattress.
That’s all, associates — Oh! I mean… folks, the mattress zoning has come to an end. Who knew getting rid of a big box could be tricky?
Remember, getting rid of your mattress isn't just about following the rules – it's about being a good neighbour in New York. It's about not being the person who leaves a bare mattress on the sidewalk for weeks. Don't be that person. Nobody likes that person.
Now, I want to hear from you! Have you had any crazy experiences getting rid of mattresses in the city? Any advice to share? You've devised a creative way to turn old mattresses into cutting-edge art pieces. Share your stories in the comments below. You might help another New Yorker avoid becoming a mattress mummy stuck in their 5th-floor apartment without an elevator.
