Portland mattress and bulky-item pickup cost by garbage company

Quick Answer — Portland mattress pickup cost by garbage company

Portland residential garbage customers in single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes can schedule bulky-waste pickup for mattresses through their regular garbage company. The city sets the price: an $18 flat trip fee plus per-item charges based on mattress size. A king mattress with box spring costs $29, queen/full with box spring costs $21, and twin/single with box spring or a box spring alone costs $14. Free drop-off recycling is also available through the Bye Bye Mattress program at several Portland-area locations. Renters and apartment dwellers typically need to go through their landlord or property manager, since the property owner holds the garbage account.

Quick facts — Portland mattress disposal

Portland mattress disposal overview

If you live in Portland city limits and need to get rid of a mattress, you have several options. Which one works best depends on whether you own your home (or live in a 1–4 unit building) and whether you have access to a vehicle.

The city of Portland regulates bulky-waste pickup rates for residential customers served by the garbage companies that operate in the city. Those companies include Waste Management, Republic Services, and other franchise haulers that hold contracts with the city. The rate structure — $18 trip fee plus per-size mattress charges — applies regardless of which company serves your address.

For residents who can transport the mattress themselves, free drop-off recycling through the Bye Bye Mattress program is the cheapest option. Metro-run transfer stations also accept mattresses for a fee. And if the mattress is still in usable condition, donation or giving it away is always worth considering before disposal.

This guide covers each option in detail, with the official Portland city rules, so you can choose the right path for your situation and budget.

Curbside bulky-waste pickup for mattresses

How to schedule and what to expect

Curbside bulky-waste pickup is the most convenient option for Portland residents who do not have a vehicle or do not want to haul a mattress to a drop-off site. Here is the general process:

1. Identify your garbage company. Your garbage hauler depends on your address. Portland divides the city into franchise zones, and each zone is served by a specific company. If you already pay a garbage bill, the company name is on it. If you are unsure, check the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability website or call the city.

1. Call your garbage company for an estimate and pickup date. The city requires that your garbage company provide an estimate when you call and schedule the pickup within seven days of your request. The company will ask what items you want to dispose of — mattress size matters for pricing.

1. Send photos for an accurate quote. The city recommends sending photos of the items to your garbage company so they can give you a precise quote. This helps avoid surprises on pickup day.

1. Confirm the pickup date and setout rules. Once the date is set, you must place the mattress at the curb by 6 a.m. on the scheduled day. Do not put it out more than 24 hours in advance.

1. Place the mattress at the curb. No special wrapping or bagging is required for mattresses as bulky waste, but make sure the item is accessible and not blocked by cars, construction debris, or other obstacles.

1. The garbage company hauls it away. The crew will collect the mattress and any other approved bulky items you scheduled. The charge appears on your next garbage bill.

Pricing by mattress size

The city of Portland publishes these rates for bulky-waste pickup of mattresses and box springs:

Plus a flat $18 trip fee per pickup appointment, regardless of how many items you schedule.

So if you are disposing of a queen mattress with box spring and a separate box spring from another bed, your total would be $18 (trip fee) + $21 (queen set) + $14 (extra box spring) = $53.

The trip fee is charged per appointment, not per item. If you have multiple bulky items to dispose of, it makes sense to schedule them together on the same pickup to avoid paying the $18 fee twice.

Who qualifies for city-set bulky pickup rates

The city-set rates described above apply to single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes — buildings with 1 to 4 residential units. These are considered residential customers under Portland's garbage franchise system.

If you live in a building with 5 or more units (apartment complexes, condominium buildings with five-plus units), your property does not qualify for the city-set residential bulky-waste rates. The same applies to commercial and business properties. These properties have separate garbage service agreements, and the property owner or manager negotiates waste service directly with the hauler.

The official Portland city website notes that multifamily residents should ask their property manager where to place large items and that the property manager should provide waste and recycling information at move-in and annually.

Renters, apartments, and multifamily buildings

If you rent a home or apartment in Portland, the process for mattress disposal depends on who holds the garbage account.

Single-family rental homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes: If you rent a house or a unit in a smallplex, check your lease or ask your landlord whether you are responsible for garbage service or whether it is included in your rent. If the garbage account is in your name, you can schedule bulky pickup directly with the garbage company at the city-set rates. If the account is in the landlord's name, you need to coordinate with them.

Apartments in buildings with 5+ units: City-set curbside bulky-waste rates do not apply to larger multifamily buildings. Talk to your property manager or landlord about how to dispose of a mattress. Many apartment buildings have their own waste disposal procedures, such as a designated bulk-item drop area or a scheduled pickup through the building's garbage contract. The city requires property managers to provide waste and recycling information at move-in and annually — check that information or ask directly.

What to do if your landlord is unresponsive: If you cannot get a clear answer from your property manager, contact the garbage company that serves your building (ask the manager or check the dumpster for the hauler's name) and ask about options. You can also use the free Bye Bye Mattress drop-off sites if you have vehicle access, or hire a private junk removal service.

Preparation and setout rules

Portland has specific rules for how and when you can set out bulky items for curbside pickup. Follow these to avoid missed pickups or code violations:

Pickup day rules:

• Items must be at the curb by 6 a.m. on the scheduled pickup day.
• Do not set items out more than 24 hours before your scheduled pickup.
• Place items at the curb, not in the street or blocking sidewalks, driveways, or storm drains.

Advance notice:

• Call your garbage company at least one week in advance to schedule bulky pickup. This ensures availability and gives the company time to route the collection crew.

What about rain cover? The Portland city website does not require mattresses to be wrapped or bagged for bulky pickup. If you are concerned about weather (Portland does see rain), you can check with your garbage company about whether they recommend covering the mattress. Some haulers may have their own preferences.

Multiple items: If you are disposing of several mattresses or bulky items alongside other waste, the garbage company may suggest renting a temporary dumpster or container. Discuss this when you call for your estimate.

Free mattress drop-off recycling (Bye Bye Mattress)

The Bye Bye Mattress program is a free mattress recycling initiative funded by the Mattress Recycling Council. It accepts mattresses and box springs at no charge at several drop-off locations in the Portland area.

Who can use it: Anyone — homeowners, renters, apartment dwellers, businesses. There is no residency or garbage-account requirement.

What is accepted: Mattresses and box springs of all sizes. The program does not accept mattress pads, toppers, pillows, bed frames, or futons.

How it works: You load the mattress into your vehicle, drive to a participating drop-off site, and recycle it for free. No appointment is needed at most locations, but the city's website advises confirming site hours and availability before visiting.

Limitation: You need access to a vehicle. If you do not drive, this option may not be practical unless you can arrange a ride with someone who has a truck, SUV, or roof-rack capability.

Where to find a site: Visit the Bye Bye Mattress website (byebyemattress.com) and enter your ZIP code to find the nearest participating drop-off location. Sites include landfills, transfer stations, and recycling centers in the greater Portland metro area.

Metro transfer station disposal

The Metro Central and Metro South transfer stations accept bulky waste, including mattresses, as general garbage. These are regional facilities operated by Metro, the regional government for the Portland metropolitan area.

Metro Central — located in Northwest Portland near the St. Johns Bridge. Metro South — located in Oregon City.

Pricing: Rates vary by load size and material type. Because Metro classifies mattresses as bulky waste or garbage, the fee depends on the weight or volume of your load. The city's source does not provide specific Metro mattress rates, so you should call ahead or check the Metro website before visiting.

Contact: Metro Find a Recycler at 503-234-3000 for current rates, hours, and accepted materials.

Requirements: You need a vehicle to use transfer stations. Some facilities may require you to cover your load, so bring a tarp or straps.

Other disposal options (donation, junk removal)

Donation and reuse

If your mattress is in good condition — no stains, tears, sagging, or bed bugs — donation is an environmentally preferable alternative to disposal. Some organizations in the Portland area that may accept mattress donations include:

• The Salvation Army
• Community Warehouse (Portland)
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore (varies by location — call first)
• Local buy-nothing groups on Facebook or Nextdoor

Important: Not all thrift stores accept mattresses due to health regulations. Always call ahead to confirm before transporting a mattress to a donation center. Oregon law requires mattresses offered for resale to have a clean, intact cover and no visible damage.

Online options like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Freecycle let you offer the mattress for free pickup. This works well if the mattress is still usable and you want it gone without any cost or effort.

Private junk removal

If curbside pickup is not an option (you live in a larger apartment building, you missed the scheduling window, or you need same-day service), private junk removal companies can haul away mattresses for a fee. Companies such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and local Portland haulers offer this service.

Cost varies widely — expect to pay $75–$150 for a single mattress pickup from a private hauler, depending on location, accessibility, and whether they recycle the mattress. Always get a written estimate before the job starts.

What about illegal dumping?

Never leave a mattress on the sidewalk, in an alley, or at a public dumpster that does not belong to you. Portland enforces illegal dumping fines, and abandoned mattresses are a common blight issue. Use one of the legal methods described above.

At-a-glance mattress disposal pricing table

Resident scenarios

Scenario 1: Homeowner with a king mattress to dispose of

You own a house in Southeast Portland and recently replaced your king-size mattress. You have a garbage account with Waste Management.

Best option: Call Waste Management, send photos of the old king mattress and box spring, and schedule curbside bulky pickup. Your cost: $18 trip fee + $29 king set = $47. You do not need a vehicle. Put the mattress at the curb by 6 a.m. on the scheduled day and you are done.

Scenario 2: Apartment renter without a car

You rent a one-bedroom apartment in a large building near Lloyd Center. The mattress is a full size.

Best option: Ask your property manager about the building's bulky-item disposal procedure. If the building does not offer this, consider hiring a private junk removal service — they will come to your apartment, pick up the mattress, and haul it away. Expect to pay $75–$150. Alternatively, if you can borrow a friend's vehicle, drive to a Bye Bye Mattress drop-off site for free.

Scenario 3: Renter in a duplex with the garbage account in your name

You rent one side of a duplex in North Portland. You pay the garbage bill directly to Republic Services.

Best option: You qualify for the city-set rates since your building is a duplex. Call Republic Services, schedule pickup for your twin mattress, and pay $14 + $18 trip fee = $32. Set the mattress out by 6 a.m. on pickup day.

Scenario 4: Usable mattress, want to save money

Your guest-room mattress is in great shape but you are upgrading. You have a truck.

Best option: Take clear photos and list it for free on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or a Portland buy-nothing group. Someone will likely pick it up the same day. If no takers after a week, take it to a Bye Bye Mattress drop-off site for free recycling.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Setting the mattress out too early. Portland's rule says no more than 24 hours before your scheduled pickup. Putting it out days ahead can result in a code violation fine.
2. Assuming apartments qualify for city-set rates. If you live in a building with five or more units, the $18 trip fee plus per-item pricing almost certainly does not apply. Check with your property manager before calling the garbage company.
3. Not calling far enough ahead. The city recommends calling at least one week in advance. Last-minute scheduling may mean a longer wait.
4. Leaving the mattress in the wrong spot. Curb means the edge of the street, not the sidewalk, not blocking the driveway, and not next to a neighbor's garbage cans.
5. Forgetting that box springs are separate. If you have a mattress and a box spring, that counts as two items. The per-item charge applies to each. However, a "mattress with box spring" has a bundled price shown in the rate table above.
6. Dropping off at a transfer station without confirming hours or fees. Metro station hours and rates can change. Call 503-234-3000 or check the Metro website before driving there.
7. Donating without calling first. Not all donation centers accept mattresses. Call ahead to avoid hauling a mattress across town only to be turned away.
8. Illegal dumping. Abandoning a mattress on a street corner or in a public park is illegal and subject to fines. Use one of the proper disposal methods covered here.

FAQ

Can I leave a mattress next to the dumpster at my apartment complex?

That depends on your building's policy. Ask your property manager where bulky items should be placed. Some complexes have designated bulk-item areas. Leaving a mattress in an undesignated spot could result in a fee or fine from the building.

Does Portland offer free curbside mattress pickup?

No. The city-set price includes an $18 trip fee plus per-item charges. However, the free Bye Bye Mattress drop-off program gives you a no-cost option if you can transport the mattress yourself.

What if I do not know which garbage company serves my address?

Check the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability website for a garbage-zone map. If you already receive garbage service, your company name is on your bill. You can also call the city for help identifying your hauler.

Can a property manager schedule bulky pickup for an apartment building?

Yes. If your building has 5+ units, the property manager handles the garbage contract and can schedule bulky pickup through the building's hauler. The pricing may differ from the city-set residential rates.

Are box springs and mattresses charged separately?

Yes, unless they are a set. A "king mattress with box spring" is one item at $29. A box spring alone is $14. If you are disposing of a mattress and a separate box spring that are not a matching set, each is charged separately.

Can I take a mattress to Metro Central without an appointment?

Metro transfer stations generally accept drop-offs during operating hours without an appointment. However, you should verify current hours, fees, and any load-cover requirements before visiting. Call 503-234-3000 to confirm.

Does Bye Bye Mattress accept futons or mattress toppers?

No. The program accepts only mattresses and box springs. Futons, mattress pads, toppers, pillows, and bed frames are not accepted.

What should I do with a stained or damaged mattress?

A stained or damaged mattress is unlikely to be accepted for donation. Curbside pickup, Bye Bye Mattress recycling, Metro transfer stations, or private junk removal are your best options.

Sources

• Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability — Bulky Waste Collection: https://www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/bulky-waste
• Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability — Bulky Waste Disposal Options: https://www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/home-recycling/bulky-waste-disposal
• Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability — Multifamily Recycling: https://www.portland.gov/bps/garbage-recycling/multifamily-recycling
• Bye Bye Mattress (Mattress Recycling Council): https://byebyemattress.com
• Metro Find a Recycler hotline: 503-234-3000

*This guide is based on official Portland city sources as of July 2026. Rates, rules, and available services may change. Verify current fees and eligibility with your garbage company, Metro, or the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability before scheduling pickup or visiting a drop-off site.*