You cannot throw a mattress in the trash in Chicago. The City of Chicago does not accept mattresses through standard residential garbage collection or its bulk pickup program. This guide explains every legal option available to Chicago residents in 2026, how much each one costs, and which one makes the most sense depending on your situation.
The Short Answer: How to Get Rid of a Mattress in Chicago
Chicago residents have four main options for mattress disposal in 2026:
- Hire a junk removal company like 606 Junk to pick it up from your home (starts at $195)
- Drop it off at a certified mattress recycler in the Chicago area
- Donate it if it is in clean, usable condition with no stains or damage
- Check for retailer take-back programs if you are buying a new mattress
You cannot put a mattress on the curb for city pickup, leave it in an alley, or place it in a standard dumpster. Doing so can result in a fine from the City of Chicago starting at $500.
Why You Cannot Throw a Mattress in the Trash in Chicago
Mattresses are banned from standard residential garbage collection in Chicago and most Illinois municipalities. The main reasons are practical: mattresses are large, bulky, and cause problems at landfills because they trap air and take up disproportionate space. Their steel springs can also damage landfill equipment.
Beyond landfill logistics, Illinois has pushed toward mattress recycling because up to 80 percent of a mattress by weight is recyclable material. The foam, steel springs, cotton, and wood components can all be separated and reused. A mattress that goes to a recycler does not need to go to a landfill at all.
The City of Chicago bulk pickup program, available through the Department of Streets and Sanitation, explicitly excludes mattresses from its accepted items list. Placing a mattress at the curb for bulk pickup will result in it being left behind, and if it sits long enough, a fine.
Option 1: Hire a Junk Removal Company in Chicago
This is the easiest and fastest option for most Chicago residents. A junk removal crew comes to your home, carries the mattress out, loads it, and routes it to a certified recycling facility. You do not need to move the mattress to the curb, rent a vehicle, or figure out where to take it.
What this costs
606 Junk picks up mattresses in Chicago starting at $195 for a single mattress removal. If you are getting rid of a mattress as part of a larger cleanout, the price is included in the overall truck load rate. All mattresses we remove are taken to certified recycling facilities where the materials are separated and reused rather than sent to the landfill.
How to book mattress pickup in Chicago
- Call 606 Junk at 773-412-4902 or book online at 606junk.com
- Tell us the mattress size and where it is located in your home
- Confirm your arrival window, same-day and next-day slots are available in most Chicago neighborhoods
- The crew carries the mattress out and loads it. You do not touch anything
What sizes 606 Junk removes
- Twin and twin XL mattresses
- Full and double mattresses
- Queen mattresses
- King and California king mattresses
- Mattress and box spring sets
- Multiple mattresses in one pickup (priced by load volume)
Option 2: Drop Off at a Certified Mattress Recycler
If you have a way to transport the mattress yourself (a truck, SUV with folded seats, or a rented van), you can drop it off directly at a certified mattress recycler in the Chicago area. This is a free or low-cost option if you are comfortable handling the transport.
What to expect at a recycling drop-off
Most certified recyclers in Illinois accept mattresses at no charge or for a small fee under $25. You will need to bring the mattress inside or to a drop-off area. The facility breaks the mattress down and separates the steel, foam, fiber, and wood for recycling. Call ahead to confirm hours, fees, and accepted items before making the trip.
Things to keep in mind
- Mattresses must be free of bed bugs. Most recyclers will reject a mattress with a known or suspected infestation.
- Wrap a bed-bug-suspected mattress in a plastic mattress bag before moving it through your home or vehicle
- Call ahead to confirm the facility is accepting drop-offs on the day you plan to go
- Box springs are typically accepted alongside mattresses at the same facilities
Option 3: Donate Your Mattress
If your mattress is in genuinely good condition, clean, stain-free, and with no damage to the cover or structure, donation is worth considering before disposal. Several Chicago-area organizations accept mattress donations, though the standards are strict.
What condition a donated mattress must be in
- No stains of any kind, including water stains
- No tears, burns, or damage to the fabric cover
- No odors
- No signs of bed bugs or pest damage
Most donation centers, including Salvation Army and Goodwill, do not accept mattresses due to hygiene concerns and liability. Your best option for donating a mattress in Chicago is to post it on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or the Buy Nothing group for your neighborhood. A mattress in good condition is often claimed within hours.
Option 4: Retailer Take-Back Programs
If you are purchasing a new mattress, ask the retailer whether they offer take-back or haul-away service for your old one. Many mattress retailers in Chicago, including Mattress Firm and some IKEA locations, will remove your old mattress when they deliver the new one. This service is sometimes included in the delivery fee and sometimes charged separately.
This option only works if you are buying a new mattress at the same time. If you are simply getting rid of an old mattress without a replacement, this option does not apply.
What You Cannot Do With a Mattress in Chicago
To avoid fines and keep Chicago alleys and streets clean, here is what is not allowed.
| Action | Allowed? | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Put mattress in residential garbage bin | No | Will not be collected, possible fine |
| Leave mattress at curb for city bulk pickup | No | Will not be collected, possible fine starting at $500 |
| Dump mattress in an alley or vacant lot | No | Fine starting at $500, repeat violations up to $5,000 |
| Place mattress in a standard dumpster | No (most cases) | Dumpster companies may charge extra fees for mattress disposal |
| Donate with stains or damage | Not recommended | Most organizations will refuse it |
| Hire a certified junk removal company | Yes | Legal, responsible, and handled for you |
| Drop off at a certified mattress recycler | Yes | Legal and eco-friendly |
How Mattresses Are Recycled in Illinois
Understanding what happens after pickup can help you feel confident that your mattress is not just ending up in a landfill. Here is how the recycling process works.
- The mattress arrives at a certified processing facility
- The cover fabric is removed and sent to textile recyclers
- Steel springs are extracted and sent to metal scrap recyclers
- Foam is shredded and repurposed for carpet padding, insulation, or animal bedding
- Cotton and fiber fill is processed for industrial use
- Wood components from box springs go to wood chippers or biomass energy
Up to 80 percent of a standard mattress by weight can be diverted from the landfill through this process. Illinois is one of the states actively expanding its mattress recycling infrastructure through producer responsibility programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a mattress on the curb in Chicago?
No. The City of Chicago does not accept mattresses through its bulk pickup program. Placing a mattress on the curb will result in it not being collected, and leaving it there long enough can result in a fine starting at $500.
How much does mattress removal cost in Chicago?
606 Junk picks up mattresses in Chicago starting at $195 for a single mattress. If you are removing a mattress as part of a larger cleanout, the cost is included in the overall truck load rate. Call 773-412-4902 for a specific quote.
Who picks up mattresses in Chicago?
606 Junk offers same-day and next-day mattress pickup across Chicago and surrounding suburbs. We handle all sizes including queen, king, and full sets with box springs. Call 773-412-4902 or book at 606junk.com.
Does Chicago have free mattress disposal?
The City of Chicago does not offer free mattress disposal through its standard programs. Some certified recyclers accept drop-offs at low or no cost if you transport the mattress yourself. Hiring a junk removal company is the most convenient option and starts at $195 with 606 Junk.
What happens to mattresses after junk removal in Chicago?
606 Junk routes all mattresses to certified recycling facilities where the steel, foam, fabric, and fiber components are separated and reused. We do not send mattresses to the landfill.
Can I donate a used mattress in Chicago?
Only if the mattress is in perfect condition: no stains, no odors, no damage, and no signs of pests. Most donation organizations in Chicago do not accept mattresses due to hygiene standards. Posting on Facebook Marketplace or a neighborhood Buy Nothing group is often the fastest way to find a taker for a clean mattress.
Can a mattress go in a dumpster in Chicago?
Most dumpster rental companies in Chicago do not allow mattresses in their roll-off dumpsters, or they charge a significant surcharge for mattress disposal due to the specialized processing required. If you are renting a dumpster and need to get rid of a mattress at the same time, confirm with the rental company before placing it in the bin.
