Knowing how to dispose of a mattress in Jacksonville properly can save you time, prevent fines, and simplify your cleanout process. Whether you’re upgrading your bed, moving to a new place, or clearing out a rental property, Jacksonville offers several legal and convenient ways to get rid of unwanted mattresses across Duval County.
This guide covers everything from city-provided bulk waste collection and local charities that accept mattress donations to eco-conscious recycling centers, junk hauling services, and roll-off dumpster rentals for larger cleanouts. You’ll also learn what’s required to prep your mattress for removal, which disposal method best fits your situation, and when renting a dumpster becomes the most practical option—especially if you’re tossing other bulky items as well.
Your Mattress Disposal Options in Jacksonville
1. Use the City of Jacksonville’s Bulk Collection Service
The City of Jacksonville provides curbside bulk waste pickup for residential customers through its Solid Waste Division. Mattresses are accepted, but you must place the item curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your assigned pickup day.
Jacksonville does not require mattress wrapping, but doing so is recommended for sanitation purposes. Bulky items are picked up every other week, and there is no fee for this service if guidelines are followed.
Pros: Free for most residents, managed by the city, good for single-item disposal
Cons: Bi-weekly service; item placement rules must be followed
2. Donate a Gently-Used Mattress to Local Charities
If your mattress is in clean, good condition—with no rips, stains, or odors—donation is a sustainable way to help local charities and reduce landfill waste. Some nonprofits in Jacksonville offer donation pickup or accept drop-offs.
Nonprofits That May Accept Mattresses:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Jacksonville – Free pickup for qualifying donations
City Rescue Mission – May accept beds and furniture (call to confirm)
Salvation Army Jacksonville – Schedule donation pickups online
Pickup Please (Vietnam Veterans of America) – Acceptance varies by location
Pros: Environmentally responsible, charitable, tax-deductible
Cons: Items must meet condition standards; scheduling may be needed
3. Schedule a Junk Removal Service
If your mattress is not suitable for donation, junk removal services in Jacksonville can handle the heavy lifting and disposal. These companies often provide next-day or even same-day pickup, with most including labor and transportation in their pricing.
Top Jacksonville Junk Removal Providers:
Junk King Jacksonville
2727 Clydo Rd Unit 6, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Tel: 904-474-5767
LoadUp Junk Removal
701 San Marco Blvd Suite 1950, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Tel: 844-239-7711
Pros: Quick and easy, no labor required, eco-friendly options available
Cons: Cost based on item size or load volume
4. Drop Off at a City-Approved Landfill or Transfer Station
Jacksonville residents can also haul mattresses to an approved drop-off site for disposal. This is a cost-effective option if you have a truck or trailer and prefer a DIY approach.
Suggested Facility:
Old Kings Road Landfill
8540 Old Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32219
Tel: 904-768-5363
Disposal fees may apply, and some facilities require proof of residency. Call in advance to confirm hours and mattress acceptance rules.
Pros: Affordable; ideal for residents with their own transport
Cons: Manual labor required; limited weekend hours
5. Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster for Mattress & Bulk Waste
If you’re clearing out multiple bedrooms, managing a property turnover, or combining your mattress with other bulky items, a dumpster rental can save time and reduce logistics. Elgins Dumpsters provides 10-yard and 15-yard containers throughout Jacksonville and surrounding communities.
Local Dumpster Providers Include:
Elgins Dumpsters Jacksonville
Tel: (904) 204-5495
Discount Dumpster
Tel: 904-274-9902
Pros: Best for large cleanouts, flexible rental terms, one-load convenience
Cons: Requires placement space; not ideal for just one item
Local Rules & Regulations for Mattress Disposal in Jacksonville & Duval County
If you’re getting rid of a mattress in Jacksonville or the broader Duval County area, it’s essential to follow local solid waste guidelines to avoid missed pickups, fines, or unnecessary landfill trips. Both the City of Jacksonville and surrounding communities have specific requirements for mattress disposal.
Here’s what you need to know:
Curbside Bulk Pickup Rules (City of Jacksonville)
The City of Jacksonville offers **scheduled bulk item collection** for residential addresses receiving solid waste services. Mattresses are included in this service but must be prepared correctly.
To ensure proper pickup:
Call 630-CITY (904-630-2489) or submit a bulk pickup request online at coj.net
Place the mattress at the curb no later than 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day
Wrapping your mattress in plastic is recommended to comply with sanitation best practices
Keep items at least 3 feet from mailboxes, fences, and trash carts
This service is free but may be limited to a certain number of items per scheduled pickup.
Unincorporated Duval County Guidelines
Most of Duval County is within the City of Jacksonville limits. However, residents in private communities or HOA-managed areas may need to coordinate with **third-party haulers** for mattress disposal.
Key notes:
Bulk collection availability varies by provider or contract
Confirm mattress pickup rules with your HOA or property manager
Preparation (plastic-wrapping) may still be required, especially in areas with shared collection points
Landfill & Drop-Off Site Requirements
Jacksonville residents can also dispose of mattresses at authorized solid waste facilities. This is a good option if you miss your bulk pickup window or are discarding multiple items at once.
Main facility to consider:
Old Kings Road Landfill (Trail Ridge Landfill)
8540 Old Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32219
Tel: 904-768-5363
Reminders:
Fees may apply depending on size and weight
Proof of Duval County residency is usually required
Wet, infested, or heavily soiled mattresses may be rejected
Donation & Recycling Notes
Donation centers in Jacksonville will generally only accept mattresses that are **clean, gently used, and free from any damage**. Scheduling is often required, and acceptance can vary depending on nonprofit policies.
There are limited mattress recycling centers in Northeast Florida. However, some junk removal companies offer eco-friendly disposal options that prioritize reuse and recycling over landfill dumping.
Pro Tip: Always wrap your mattress in plastic—even if it’s going to the dump. Whether you’re donating, recycling, or using city services, this small step often determines whether your mattress gets picked up or turned away.
Choosing the Right Mattress Disposal Method for Your Needs
When deciding how to dispose of a mattress in Jacksonville, your ideal option depends on how quickly you need it gone, the condition of the mattress, how many items you’re tossing, and whether sustainability is a priority.
Use the comparison table below to evaluate the most common mattress disposal methods available throughout Jacksonville and Duval County:
Method | Cost | Convenience | Restrictions | Environmental Impact |
---|---|---|---|---|
City Bulk Pickup (Jacksonville) | Free | Moderate – must request pickup | Requires scheduling and curb placement | Low – typically goes to landfill |
Donation to Charity | Free | Moderate – schedule or drop-off required | Only accepted if mattress is clean and undamaged | High – promotes reuse and waste reduction |
Junk Removal Service | $$ – varies by load size | High – full-service option | No major restrictions, but cost may vary | Moderate – some haulers recycle or donate |
Landfill Drop-Off | Low – nominal fee | Low – requires transport and labor | May need ID; some restrictions on condition | Low – ends up in landfill |
Roll-Off Dumpster Rental | $$ – flat-rate rental | High – flexible, load as needed | Requires space for container | Moderate – contents may be sorted for recycling |
When Dumpster Rentals Make Sense for Mattress Disposal
If you’re only tossing a single mattress in Jacksonville, city bulk pickup or a donation center might be enough. But if you’re clearing out a rental unit, managing a full home cleanout, or removing multiple items, renting a dumpster is usually the most efficient and cost-effective option.
Here’s when a dumpster rental is the right move in Duval County:
You’re disposing of multiple mattresses and bedroom furniture
You’re cleaning out a house, apartment, or estate
The mattress is stained, torn, or pest-infested and can’t be donated
You’re also tossing bulky items like bed frames, dressers, or debris
You want to avoid coordinating multiple hauls or service appointments
Dumpster rentals offer a no-rush, flat-rate solution—ideal when you need control over timing and volume.
Recommended Sizes for Single or Multiple Mattress Removal
The right dumpster size depends on how much you’re removing along with the mattress. Here’s a quick guide:
Mattress Disposal Scenario | Recommended Dumpster Size |
---|---|
Single mattress + box spring or light items | 10-yard dumpster |
2–3 mattresses + furniture or household junk | 15-yard dumpster |
Full property cleanout or large remodeling project | 20-yard dumpster or larger |
Before booking, ensure your property has enough space for the dumpster, and always check with your hauler about restricted materials such as electronics, batteries, or chemicals.