Updated for 2025 with San Diego specific options
Free Mattress Pick Up and Recycling in San Diego Plus Free Mattress Removal with Purchase at Yawnder
Trying to get rid of an old mattress in San Diego can feel like a chore. It is bulky, hard to move and not something you can just toss in the trash. The good news is you have several eco friendly ways to handle it, including free recycling programs, city drop off sites and removal services that come right to your door.
This guide walks through the main options in San Diego, including how the Bye Bye Mattress program works, where you can drop off a mattress and how to take advantage of free haul away when you buy a new mattress from Yawnder.
Free mattress removal with purchase at Yawnder
If you are replacing an old bed, the easiest option is to let the new mattress store handle the old one. At Yawnder’s Encinitas mattress store we offer free mattress removal with the purchase of a new mattress. Our delivery team brings your new bed in, takes the old one out and makes sure it goes into the proper recycling or disposal stream.
That means no wrestling a queen or king down the stairs, no borrowing a truck and no guessing which landfill or transfer station to visit.
Visit our Encinitas mattress storeYou can see brands, pricing and schedule a visit on the Encinitas store page.
How the Bye Bye Mattress program works
The Bye Bye Mattress program is a statewide recycling initiative run by the Mattress Recycling Council. It exists to keep mattresses and box springs out of landfills by breaking them down and reusing materials like steel, foam and fabric.
When you buy a new mattress or box spring in California, you pay a small recycling fee at checkout. That fee helps fund convenient drop off locations so you can responsibly recycle your old bed later at no additional charge.
What they accept
- Standard mattresses and box springs.
- Items that are reasonably clean and dry.
- Units that are free of bed bugs and major contamination.
What they do not accept
- Mattress toppers and pads.
- Bedding, pillows and linens.
- Bed frames, futons and sofa beds.
- Mattresses that are soaked, heavily soiled or infested.
Always check the current guidelines on the Bye Bye Mattress site or with the local drop off location before you load your vehicle, because rules can change and each facility may have specific restrictions.
San Diego mattress drop off locations
Several sites in and around San Diego participate in the Mattress Recycling Council program or accept mattresses for proper disposal. Below are three commonly used locations. Confirm hours and requirements before you go.
Miramar Landfill collection site
The Miramar Landfill is one of the main mattress recycling collection points for City of San Diego residents.
| Address | 5161 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA |
|---|---|
| Typical hours | Weekdays during business hours, usually starting around 7 a.m. |
| What to expect | You drive in, follow signage to the mattress area and staff direct you where to unload. There is usually help available if you are struggling with the weight or size. |
Otay Landfill
For South Bay and some East County residents, Otay Landfill can be more convenient than Miramar.
| Address | 1700 Maxwell Road, Chula Vista, CA 91911 |
|---|---|
| Typical hours | Monday through Saturday, often 7 a.m. to late afternoon. |
El Cajon Transfer Station
East County residents can often use the El Cajon Transfer Station as a closer drop off.
| Address | 925 O’Conner Street, El Cajon, CA 92020 |
|---|---|
| Typical hours | Monday through Saturday, commonly 7 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. |
Availability, hours and fees for non program items can change, so always confirm details online or by phone before loading your mattress.
Other mattress disposal options in San Diego
If you cannot easily get your mattress to a drop off site or you are not replacing it right away, there are still good ways to handle removal without resorting to illegal dumping.
Retailer haul away programs
Many mattress and furniture retailers in California offer mattress haul away when you buy a new bed. In some cases haul away is free. In others there is a small extra charge. The store then sends the old mattress into a recycling or disposal stream that matches state rules.
At Yawnder’s Encinitas location, mattress removal is included at no extra cost when you purchase a new mattress. The delivery team removes the old mattress at the same time they set up the new one, which is by far the easiest solution for most customers.
Professional hauling and junk services
If you are not buying a new mattress but still need one gone, you can hire a local hauling service. These companies send a crew and truck to your home, carry the mattress out and take it to the appropriate facility.
- Pros convenience, no lifting and the ability to add other bulky items in one trip.
- Cons there is a fee and you should ask where they take items if recycling is important to you.
City bulky item pick up
Depending on your address and trash service provider, you may be able to schedule a bulky item pickup that includes mattresses. In many cases you need to book this ahead of time and bring the mattress to the curb on the scheduled day.
Because city policies and haulers change over time, always check the current bulky item rules on the City of San Diego or your waste company’s website instead of relying on an old flyer.
Donating a mattress in good condition
If your mattress is still in decent shape but you are upgrading for comfort reasons, donating it can help someone in need and keep one more item out of the waste stream.
Basic donation guidelines
- The mattress should be clean and free of strong odors.
- No large rips, exposed springs or major sagging.
- No signs of bed bugs or other pests.
Some local charities, shelters and furniture banks accept mattresses, but policies vary and can change quickly. Always call ahead to confirm whether they are currently taking mattresses and whether they offer pick up or require you to drop off.
If they do accept your mattress, you may be able to treat the donation as tax deductible. Talk to your tax professional for details and keep any paperwork the charity provides.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get rid of a mattress in San Diego for free
The most common free options are mattress recycling drop off sites that participate in the Bye Bye Mattress program, such as the Miramar Landfill collection site, and free haul away programs offered when you buy a new mattress. If you purchase a mattress from Yawnder’s Encinitas store, free mattress removal is included with delivery.
Can I recycle a box spring the same way as a mattress
In most cases yes. Box springs are generally accepted at mattress recycling drop off locations as long as they meet the same basic condition rules. Confirm with the site before you go, because each facility can set specific standards.
What if I do not have a truck or large vehicle
If you do not have a way to move a mattress yourself, your main options are:
- Buy a new mattress from a store that offers haul away, such as Yawnder in Encinitas.
- Hire a hauling or junk removal service to pick it up at your home.
- Ask a friend or family member with a truck or van and use one of the free drop off sites.
Is it okay to leave a mattress in an alley or next to a dumpster
No. Illegal dumping creates an eyesore, can lead to fines and makes it harder for the city to keep neighborhoods clean. With free recycling programs and retailer haul away options available, there is almost never a good reason to leave a mattress on the street.
Wrapping it up
San Diego residents have more mattress disposal options now than they did a few years ago. Between the Bye Bye Mattress program, multiple drop off locations, retailer haul away and donation possibilities, you can almost always find a solution that keeps your old mattress out of the landfill.
If you just need to clear space and are comfortable doing the lifting, a quick trip to a recycling site may be all it takes. If you are also ready to upgrade your sleep setup, visiting Yawnder’s Encinitas showroom lets you solve both problems at once. You can test mattresses in person, get real guidance and have your old bed removed for free with purchase.
However you choose to handle it, taking the extra step to recycle or reuse your mattress helps reduce waste and supports a cleaner San Diego. Small choices like this add up over time, especially when thousands of households make them each year.
See Yawnder Encinitas and free mattress removal detailsUpdated December 2025. Program rules, locations and hours can change, so always verify the latest details with the City of San Diego, the Mattress Recycling Council or your local drop off site.
