Need mattress disposal in Portland? You’re not alone—it’s one of the most common questions we get. Mattresses are bulky, heavy, and can’t go in regular trash. However, the good news is that Oregon has a free mattress recycling program that makes disposal easier than ever.

This guide covers all your options for mattress disposal in Portland, from free recycling drop-offs to donation, curbside pickup, and professional hauling. As a result, you’ll be able to choose the method that works best for your situation and budget.

At Junk Hubris, we haul mattresses every day and know all the best disposal options. Whether you want to DIY it or have us handle everything, this guide has you covered.

About the Bye Bye Mattress Program

Bye Bye Mattress is funded by a small fee included in the price of new mattresses sold in Oregon. As a result, recycling your old mattress is free at participating locations. The program launched in 2022 and has already diverted thousands of mattresses from Oregon landfills.

What gets recycled: Up to 90% of mattress materials can be recycled, including steel springs (made into new metal products), foam (carpet padding and pet beds), fiber (insulation and filters), and wood (biomass fuel).

Find All Participating Locations →

⚠️ What’s Accepted for Free Recycling

Accepted: Mattresses of all sizes (twin through California king), box springs, and mattress toppers. They can be used but should be relatively dry and not heavily soiled. Not accepted: Mattresses that are wet, moldy, heavily stained, infested with bed bugs, or cut/dismantled. If your mattress doesn’t qualify for free recycling, you can still drop it at transfer stations for a disposal fee.

💡 Honest Talk About Mattress Donation

Most mattresses don’t qualify for donation. Charities have high standards because they’re giving these mattresses to people who deserve quality items—not castoffs. If your mattress has any stains, odors, sagging, or is more than 8-10 years old, recycling is probably your best option. Don’t take it personally if a charity declines your mattress; the free recycling program exists precisely for this reason.

How Curbside Bulky Pickup Works

Most Portland-area garbage companies offer scheduled bulky item pickup for an additional fee. The process is straightforward: you call your hauler, schedule a pickup date, place the mattress at the curb on that day, and they collect it. Pricing typically ranges from $25-50 per mattress depending on your hauler.

Common haulers offering this service: Waste Management, Republic Services, and other local garbage companies. Check your current garbage bill for contact information.

What to expect: You’ll need to schedule in advance (sometimes a week or more). The mattress must be at the curb by a certain time on pickup day, and some haulers require you to wrap it in plastic.

🚙 Tips for Transporting a Mattress

Secure it properly: Oregon law requires loads to be covered or tied down. Use ratchet straps, bungee cords, or rope to secure the mattress. If using a pickup truck, consider standing the mattress on its side against the cab. Protect your vehicle: Wrap the mattress in plastic if it’s going inside an SUV or van. Rent if needed: Home Depot and U-Haul rent trucks by the hour if you don’t have access to one.

Can I put a mattress in the trash in Portland?

No, mattresses don’t go in regular curbside garbage bins—they’re too large and won’t be collected. However, you can schedule a bulky item pickup with your garbage hauler for an additional fee, or take the mattress to a transfer station yourself. For the most eco-friendly option, use the free Bye Bye Mattress recycling program.

Where can I dispose of a mattress for free in Portland?

Metro South Transfer Station (Oregon City), Metro Central Transfer Station (NW Portland), and ECR (Environmentally Conscious Recycling) in NE Portland all offer free mattress recycling through the Bye Bye Mattress program. Your mattress must be in acceptable condition—not wet, moldy, heavily soiled, or infested with bed bugs. If it doesn’t qualify for free recycling, you’ll pay standard disposal fees.

Will charities pick up a mattress for free?

It’s rare. Most charities that accept mattress donations require you to deliver them, and they have strict quality requirements. Community Warehouse is one of the few that sometimes picks up mattresses, but they must be in excellent condition (clean, no stains, relatively new) and pickup availability varies. Realistically, most used mattresses don’t qualify for donation.

How much does mattress removal cost in Portland?

It depends on the method. Free recycling drop-off costs nothing if your mattress qualifies. Curbside bulky pickup through your garbage hauler runs $25-50. Transfer station disposal varies but expect $20-40. Professional junk removal typically has a minimum charge, making it most cost-effective when you have multiple items to remove.

Can I leave a mattress on the curb in Portland?

No—leaving a mattress on the curb without a scheduled pickup is illegal dumping and can result in fines. Additionally, it creates blight in the neighborhood and often attracts more illegal dumping. If you want curbside disposal, schedule a bulky item pickup with your garbage company first. Or consider the free Bye Bye Mattress drop-off locations.