How to Dispose of a Mattress in Tampa, FL

Getting rid of an old or unwanted mattress in Tampa doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re swapping out an old bed, preparing for a move, or clearing out a property, there are several compliant and efficient ways to dispose of a mattress across Hillsborough County.

From Tampa’s scheduled bulk trash collection services to donation drop-offs, mattress recycling opportunities, and roll-off dumpster rentals for larger jobs, this guide outlines every local solution. You’ll also find guidance on city regulations, mattress preparation rules, and how to decide if renting a dumpster is the right call—especially when handling multiple items or a full-scale cleanout.

Your Mattress Disposal Options in Tampa

1. Use the City of Tampa’s Bulk Trash Pickup Service

The City of Tampa offers residential bulk waste pickup for large household items, including mattresses. You can place bulky waste items at the curb during your scheduled pickup period, but you’ll need to confirm dates through the city’s **SWEEP (Special Waste Enhanced Environmental Program)** schedule.

Mattresses must be wrapped in plastic and placed properly to avoid service rejections or code violations. Pickup is typically provided twice a year in most neighborhoods.

Pros: Free, city-organized, ideal for one-off mattress disposal

Cons: Infrequent pickup schedule; volume restrictions apply

2. Donate a Gently-Used Mattress to Local Charities

If your mattress is still in good shape—clean, odor-free, and without structural damage—donating it can benefit local families while keeping it out of the landfill. Several nonprofits around Tampa accept used mattresses, often with free pickup options.

Top Nonprofits That Accept Mattresses (If in Good Condition):

Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Hillsborough County – Offers free pickup for qualifying items

The Spring of Tampa Bay – May accept gently-used mattresses for domestic violence shelters

Salvation Army Tampa – Offers scheduled pickups or drop-off locations

Vietnam Veterans of America (Pickup Please) – Accepts limited household goods; mattress acceptance varies

Pros: Supports local causes, tax-deductible, landfill diversion

Cons: Only accepted in near-new condition; scheduling in advance is often required

3. Schedule a Junk Removal Service

For damaged, stained, or oversized mattresses that can’t be donated, hiring a junk removal service is one of the fastest solutions. These providers will pick up the mattress from your home—no heavy lifting required—and many offer same-day or next-day availability across the Tampa Bay area.

Popular Local Junk Removal Companies:

Junk Removal Tampa | Dump My Junk LLc

601 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Tel: 813-686-6406

LoadUp Junk Removal

12470 Telecom Dr Suite 150E, Tampa, FL 33637

Tel: 844-239-7711

Pros: Fast service, no physical effort, often eco-conscious disposal

Cons: Cost varies based on number of items or volume removed

4. Drop Off at an Approved Landfill or Recycling Center

You can also dispose of your mattress by hauling it to a designated Hillsborough County drop-off site or landfill. This is a cost-effective option for those with transportation and time.

Drop-Off Location to Consider:

Hillsborough County Solid Waste – Falkenburg Yard Waste Site

332 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619

Tel: 813-272-5680

Always check for disposal fees and hours of operation. Mattresses must be dry, wrapped, and free from infestations or they may be rejected.

Pros: Budget-friendly for DIY disposal; recycling may be available

Cons: Requires a truck or trailer; manual handling necessary

5. Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster for Mattress & Bulk Waste

If you’re tossing more than just a mattress—like during a move, remodel, or estate cleanout—a roll-off dumpster is often the most efficient solution. Elgins Dumpsters offers roll-off containers across Tampa with flat-rate pricing, easy delivery, and flexible rental periods.

Trusted Local Providers Include:

Elgins Dumpsters Tampa

Tel: (813) 592-5455

Dump Dynasty-Dumpsters

Tel: 813-444-6033

Pros: Best for large cleanouts, self-paced loading, no pickup scheduling required

Cons: Requires space on your property; may not be economical for a single mattress

Local Rules & Regulations for Mattress Disposal in Tampa & Hillsborough County

If you’re planning to dispose of a mattress in Tampa or elsewhere in Hillsborough County, it’s important to follow local solid waste policies to avoid fines, delays, or rejected pickups. The City of Tampa and the county have specific guidelines on how to prepare and schedule bulky waste like mattresses.

Here’s what you need to know:

Curbside Bulk Pickup Rules (City of Tampa)

Tampa provides curbside pickup of bulky items, including mattresses, through its Solid Waste Department’s **SWEEP program** (Special Waste Enhanced Environmental Program). SWEEP occurs **twice per year** and is available to single-family homes within city limits.

To comply with program rules:

Mattresses must be placed curbside by 6:00 a.m. on the first day of your scheduled SWEEP week

Items must be kept at least 3 feet away from mailboxes, poles, or other obstructions

Mattresses should be wrapped in plastic, especially if stained or soiled

To find your SWEEP dates, visit tampa.gov/solid-waste or call 813-274-8811.

Unincorporated Hillsborough County Guidelines

Residents outside of Tampa city limits fall under Hillsborough County Solid Waste Services. These areas do not receive routine bulk collection and must schedule pickups or self-haul to designated drop-off centers.

Guidelines include:

Items like mattresses must be scheduled for pickup by calling 813-272-5680

Proper preparation (plastic wrapping) is recommended

Pickup availability may vary by zone and service provider

Landfill & Drop-Off Site Requirements

Hillsborough County operates several **Community Collection Centers (CCCs)** and **solid waste facilities** where residents can drop off mattresses and other large items.

Common requirements:

Proof of county residency (e.g., driver’s license or utility bill)

Per-item disposal fees may apply

Mattresses should be clean and dry; wet or infested items may be rejected

Suggested Facility:

Falkenburg Yard Waste Site

350 Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619

Tel: 813-744-5599

Donation & Recycling Notes

Nonprofits in the Tampa area typically only accept mattresses that are clean, structurally sound, and free from stains or odors.** – Always call ahead to confirm eligibility and pickup scheduling – Mattress recycling in Hillsborough County is limited, but some junk removal services may sort items for donation or recycling

Pro Tip: Whether donating, recycling, or scheduling a pickup, wrap your mattress in plastic. Many providers—including city services—won’t accept unwrapped or improperly prepped items.

Choosing the Right Mattress Disposal Method for Your Needs

When deciding how to dispose of a mattress in Tampa, the best method depends on your priorities—how quickly you need it gone, whether the mattress is reusable, how many other items you’re removing, and your commitment to eco-friendly disposal.

Use the table below to compare the most common mattress disposal options available in Tampa and Hillsborough County:

When Dumpster Rentals Make Sense for Mattress Disposal

Method Cost Convenience Restrictions Environmental Impact
City Bulk Pickup (Tampa SWEEP Program) Free Moderate – available twice per year Must be scheduled; plastic wrap required Low – most items end up in landfill
Donation to Charity Free Moderate – requires coordination Only accepted if clean and gently used High – mattress is reused
Junk Removal Service $$ – depends on provider High – they do all the work Few restrictions; some weight-based pricing Moderate – some recycle or donate
Landfill Drop-Off Low – small disposal fee Low – requires truck and lifting ID and clean mattress may be required Low – sent directly to landfill
Roll-Off Dumpster Rental $$ – flat-rate High – load on your own schedule Requires driveway or placement area Moderate – some contents may be recycled

While a single mattress can often be handled by donation or the city’s SWEEP collection, a dumpster becomes the best option when you’re dealing with multiple bulky items or doing a full property cleanout.

Here’s when a dumpster rental makes the most sense in Tampa:

You’re replacing mattresses in multiple rooms

You’re clearing out a rental property, home, or storage unit

The mattress is damaged or cannot be accepted by donation centers

You’re also removing bedroom furniture, appliances, or renovation debris

You want to avoid waiting for city programs or making multiple trips to the dump

Dumpster rentals give you a flat-rate solution that works around your schedule—without pickup limits or volume caps.

Recommended Sizes for Single or Multiple Mattress Removal

The right size dumpster depends on how many items you’re tossing along with the mattress. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Mattress Disposal Scenario Recommended Dumpster Size
One mattress + box spring or small furniture 10-yard dumpster
Multiple mattresses + bedroom sets 15-yard dumpster
Full home cleanout or major remodeling 20-yard dumpster or larger

Before you book, confirm that your driveway or lot has enough space for the dumpster, and ask your provider about any restricted items like electronics, paint, or tires.

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