How to Recycle or Dispose of a Mattress in San Diego

Getting a new mattress is exciting. But then comes the big question: what do you do with the old one? An old mattress is bulky and difficult to move. You can’t simply leave it on the curb with your regular trash. Luckily, San Diego County provides several convenient and eco-friendly options for mattress disposal. Whether you’re in North County, the South Bay, or anywhere in between, this guide will walk you through how to properly recycle or dispose of your old mattress.

Why You Can’t Just Throw Your Mattress Away

Tossing a mattress into a landfill is not an ideal solution. Mattresses take up a significant amount of space, and they don’t biodegrade easily due to their synthetic materials. They can also trap flammable gases, posing a risk. More importantly, up to 80% of the materials in a mattress, including steel springs, foam, wood, and fibers, can be recycled and repurposed. By recycling your mattress, you help conserve natural resources and reduce landfill waste. California has laws to ensure mattresses are disposed of responsibly, which is why you can’t put them out with your regular household garbage.

San Diego Mattress Recycling: The Bye Bye Mattress Program

California’s leading mattress recycling solution is the Bye Bye Mattress program, run by the Mattress Recycling Council. This statewide program makes it easy and free for residents to drop off old mattresses and box springs at designated collection sites and events. The program takes used mattresses and dismantles them, recycling the steel, foam, and wood into new products. This keeps thousands of mattresses out of San Diego landfills each year.

To find the nearest drop-off location or a collection event near you, the best resource is the Bye Bye Mattress website. Their online locator is always up-to-date with participating landfills, recycling centers, and collection events throughout San Diego County. Simply enter your zip code to see a map of your options. We recommend checking their website directly, as locations and hours can change.

City of San Diego Bulky Item Pickup

If you live within the city limits of San Diego, the Environmental Services Department offers a convenient bulky item pickup service for residents. This service is designed for items that are too large to fit in your standard trash bin, such as furniture, appliances, and mattresses. Each household is typically entitled to a certain number of free pickups each year. You can schedule a pickup for your old mattress by contacting the city’s Environmental Services Department. Be sure to schedule your pickup in advance, as there can be a waiting period.

For those living in other parts of San Diego County, such as Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, or Escondido, it’s best to contact your city’s specific waste management or public works department. Most cities offer a similar bulky item collection service, but the rules, scheduling process, and number of allowable pickups per year can vary. A quick call to your local city offices will provide the most accurate information.

Yawnder’s Mattress Haul-Away Service

The simplest way to handle an old mattress is to have it removed when your new one arrives. At Yawnder, we make the process seamless. When you purchase a new mattress from us, we offer white-glove delivery and old mattress haul-away. Our delivery team will set up your new mattress in your room of choice and remove your old one in a single trip. This service saves you the time and effort of figuring out disposal logistics on your own.

Our team ensures your old mattress is disposed of responsibly through local recycling partners. This service is available to all our customers in the San Diego area, from Oceanside and Carlsbad down to La Jolla and beyond. It’s part of our commitment to providing a premium, hassle-free experience from start to finish. You can rest easy on your new mattress knowing your old one was handled correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to recycle a mattress in San Diego?

Thanks to the Bye Bye Mattress program, it is free to drop off a mattress at a designated recycling facility in San Diego County. Some municipal bulky item pickup services may have associated fees, so it is always wise to check with your city first.

Can I leave my mattress on the curb?

No, you should not leave a mattress on the curb unless you have a scheduled bulky item pickup with your city’s waste management service. Illegal dumping can result in fines, and it creates a neighborhood eyesore. Always schedule a pickup or take it to a proper facility.

What happens to my mattress when it’s recycled?

Recyclers dismantle the mattress and separate its components. The steel springs are melted down to create new metal products. The foam padding can be shredded and repurposed for carpet padding or insulation. The wood frame is often chipped for mulch or used as fuel.

Can I drop off a mattress at the Yawnder showroom?

Our Encinitas showroom at 1441 Encinitas Blvd does not accept used mattresses for disposal. However, we do offer our convenient haul-away service for your old mattress when we deliver your new one.

Final Take

Disposing of a mattress in San Diego doesn’t have to be a chore. With the free Bye Bye Mattress program, city bulky item pickups, and Yawnder’s convenient haul-away service, you have plenty of responsible options. Choosing to recycle not only clears space in your home but also contributes to a healthier environment by keeping bulky, reusable materials out of our local landfills. It’s a simple action that makes a big difference.

Prefer donating instead of recycling? If your mattress is still in good shape (no stains, tears, or sagging), see our companion guide: Where to Donate a Mattress in San Diego — covers Goodwill, Salvation Army, Father Joe’s Villages, and local shelters that accept gently used bedding.