The short answer
You have five legal ways to get rid of a mattress in LA County: have the store take it back free when your new one is delivered, drop it at a free Bye Bye Mattress location, book your city's or hauler's bulky-item pickup, bring it to a county mattress collection event, or hire a junk hauler. Don't leave it on the curb unscheduled. Illegal dumping can bring a fine up to $10,000.
Will the store take my old mattress?
Often, yes. California law requires a retailer that offers to deliver a new mattress or box spring to also offer to take away an old one at no additional cost. LA County Public Works says this covers online sellers too.
A few details from the Bye Bye Mattress program: delivery or setup fees for the new mattress may still apply, the retailer has up to 30 days to take the old one back, and it can refuse a mattress that poses a health or safety risk.
If you're buying a new mattress anyway, ask about take-back before you check out. It's usually the easiest option.
Where can I drop off a mattress for free?
Bye Bye Mattress is California's mattress recycling program, run by the nonprofit Mattress Recycling Council. It has more than 230 free drop-off locations across the state. It's paid for by a $10.50 fee collected on each mattress or box spring sold in California.
LA County Public Works says there are nearly 20 permanent mattress collection centers in the county. Use the Bye Bye Mattress location finder to find the nearest one. Check the site's accepted items list and call the location if you have questions before you go.
This is free, but you need a vehicle that can carry a mattress, and you have to load and unload it yourself.
“removed old furniture and mattresses from the second story with no issues…”
Will my city pick up a mattress?
Most likely. LA County Public Works says most haulers serving unincorporated areas, Garbage Disposal Districts and residential franchise areas provide free bulky-item pickup. Call your hauler; the number is on your bill or your trash containers.
Cities run their own programs, and some have mattress rules:
- Pasadena: mattresses are an accepted bulky item. Single-family homes get two free pickups a year by appointment.
- Arcadia: mattresses must be wrapped in a sheet, blanket or plastic to be picked up.
- San Dimas: fabric-covered items like mattresses and box springs must be covered in plastic.
- Hacienda Heights: Valley Vista Services takes unlimited large items, including mattresses and box springs, on up to eight free pickups a year.
- Diamond Bar: mattresses and box springs are on Valley Vista's eligible list, with four free pickups a year.
Are there free mattress collection events?
Yes. LA County Public Works and the Mattress Recycling Council hold free mattress collection events. When we checked on October 31, 2026, the county listed upcoming events in Palmdale and Littlerock. Check the county's mattress recycling page for the latest dates.
One rule to know: mattresses and box springs from commercial haulers are not accepted at these events. They're for residents bringing their own.
What happens if I leave a mattress on the curb?
A mattress left on the curb, in an alley or on a vacant lot without a scheduled pickup is illegal dumping. LA County Public Works notes that California Penal Code 374.3 makes illegal dumping punishable by a fine up to $10,000, and Health and Safety Code 117555 allows up to six months in jail. A county ordinance also lets the Sheriff seize a vehicle used to dump.
Cities enforce their own rules too. Baldwin Park, for example, says unscheduled bulky items can't be visible from the street and can bring citations of $100 to $500 per violation.
If you see dumping in unincorporated LA County, you can report it online, by email, or through The Works app.
When does hiring a hauler make sense?
The free options work well if you can wait and can move the mattress yourself. A hauler makes sense when:
- The mattress is upstairs or in a tight bedroom and you can't carry it down.
- You have more than one, or it's part of a bigger furniture pickup.
- You don't have a truck to get it to a drop-off site.
- You need it gone today or tomorrow, like for a move-out.
- You've used your city's free pickups for the year.
How does mattress pickup work with Roa?
Roa Solution Junk Removal's furniture removal includes mattresses and box springs. The crew comes inside and carries it out, so you don't move anything. Pickups are same-day or next-day depending on availability.
Pricing starts at $250 and is based on truck space, materials, weight, access and labor. If it's just one mattress, compare that with the free options above. If it's a mattress plus a bed frame, a dresser and a few other things, one pickup can clear it all. Text photos to (562) 219-9266 for a price by text. First-time customers get $50 off.
Sources
- LA County Public Works: Countywide Mattress Recycling Program
- Mattress Recycling Council: Recycle Mattresses for Presidents Day
- Bye Bye Mattress: California Program
- LA County Public Works: Illegal Dumping
- City of Pasadena: Residential Recycling and Refuse Services
- City of Arcadia: Trash and Recycling
- City of San Dimas: Waste Disposal and Recycling
- Valley Vista Services: Hacienda Heights Subscription Order (July 1, 2026)
- City of Diamond Bar: Refuse and Recycling Collection Services
- City of Baldwin Park: Free Weekly Bulky Item Pickup
- Athens Services: Temple City Residential Services
Rules change. Check the city or county page before you rely on a limit, fee or date.