Bulk Waste Mandates & State Stewardship
Mattress Disposal & Plastic Bagging Laws
Discarding an old mattress is not as simple as dragging it to the curb. Learn about mandatory plastic encasement laws, how to prevent costly fines, and where to find free state-sponsored recycling drop-offs.
In major metropolitan cities including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, and Newark, any mattress or box spring placed on the street for curbside collection must be fully enclosed in a sealed plastic bag. Failure to bag results in fines of $100 or more, and drivers will refuse collection.
Plastic encasement ordinances protect sanitation workers from bedbug exposure during handling and stop insects from dropping onto sidewalks or infesting collection trucks.
Use purpose-made mattress disposal bags made of clear or frosted polyethylene (at least 2 mil to 4 mil thick) available at hardware stores. Seal open edges securely with packing or duct tape.
In California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, state law funds the Bye Bye Mattress stewardship program. Residents can drop off old mattresses and box springs at participating recycling facilities at zero out-of-pocket cost.
1. Purchase a heavy clear plastic mattress disposal bag sized for your bed (Twin, Full, Queen, King).
2. Slide the mattress completely inside the bag before moving it out of your bedroom to prevent snagging on door frames.
3. Fold excess plastic over and seal the entire seam with heavy packing or duct tape with zero open gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you have to wrap a mattress in plastic for bulk pickup?▼
Cities mandate plastic encasements to prevent the spread of bedbugs and allergens, and to keep waterlogged mattresses from becoming dangerously heavy during rainstorms.
What is the fine for setting out an unbagged mattress?▼
In cities with active mattress encasement codes (like NYC DSNY), fines typically start at $100 for a first offense and increase for repeated violations.
Where can I buy a plastic mattress disposal bag?▼
Plastic mattress bags are available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, U-Haul moving stores, Amazon, and local hardware stores for under $10.
Do mattress retailers take your old mattress when delivering a new one?▼
Yes, in states with mattress stewardship laws (like California and Connecticut) or under major retailer delivery contracts, retailers must offer to haul away your old mattress upon delivery of a new unit.