Curbside GuideHow to dispose of a mattress in Washington, DC
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Quick answer
Wrap the mattress completely in plastic and book a bulk pickup through 311 or 311.dc.gov. Put it where your trash is collected between 6:30 PM the night before and 6 AM on your appointment day. Or take it to Fort Totten Transfer Station with proof of DC residency.
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- Curbside
- Yes, by appointment. DPW collects bulk items from homes that get DPW trash service (single-family homes and buildings with 3 or fewer units).
- Bag rule
- Required. Mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic.
- Cost / fines
- No fee listed by DPW. You can get a sanitation ticket if bulk items sit in public space outside your appointment window.
- Appointment
- Yes. Call 311 or go to 311.dc.gov (Residential Bulk Collection); up to 7 items per appointment. Set it out where your trash is collected between 6:30 PM the night before and 6 AM the day of.
- Tip
- Apartment buildings with 4+ units, condos and co-ops must use a private licensed hauler. No appointment? Residents can drop off at Fort Totten Transfer Station, 4900 John McCormack Rd NE (Tue–Fri 10 AM–2 PM, Sat 7 AM–2 PM) with proof of DC residency.
Official source: dpw.dc.gov
Helpful supplies
- Mattress disposal bag Required here — A sealed plastic bag keeps the mattress clean and is required for curbside pickup in some cities.
- Moving straps or a furniture dolly — Makes it easier to carry a heavy mattress down stairs and out to the curb.
FAQ
How do I dispose of a mattress in DC?
Wrap the mattress completely in plastic and book a bulk pickup through 311 or 311.dc.gov. Put it where your trash is collected between 6:30 PM the night before and 6 AM on your appointment day. Or take it to Fort Totten Transfer Station with proof of DC residency.
Does my mattress need to be bagged in DC?
Required. Mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic.
How much does mattress disposal cost in DC?
No fee listed by DPW. You can get a sanitation ticket if bulk items sit in public space outside your appointment window.
Do I need an appointment for mattress pickup in DC?
Yes. Call 311 or go to 311.dc.gov (Residential Bulk Collection); up to 7 items per appointment. Set it out where your trash is collected between 6:30 PM the night before and 6 AM the day of.