Quick answer: In New York City, a mattress or box spring must be completely inside a clear plastic bag that’s sealed shut before the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will collect it. Put it out on your trash day, not your recycling day. If it isn’t bagged, you can be fined, up to $300 according to DSNY. Storage Plus sells mattress bags in twin, full, queen and king sizes online and at our locations.
Why does NYC require mattress bags?
The rule is there to stop the spread of bed bugs. An unbagged mattress on the curb can spread them to the sidewalk, the truck and the next building. A sealed bag keeps everything inside.
How do I bag a mattress for NYC trash pickup?
- Get the right size bag. Match the bag to the mattress: twin, full, queen or king. A bag that’s too small will tear.
- Grab a second person. Bagging a mattress is much easier with two.
- Stand the mattress on its end. Slide the open bag over the top and pull it down as far as it goes.
- Tip it over and finish. Lay the mattress down and pull the bag the rest of the way so the whole mattress is covered.
- Seal it. Fold the open end over and seal it completely with packing tape. No part of the mattress should show.
- Put it out on trash day. Set it out with your trash, following your building’s set-out time.
When can I put a mattress out?
Put it out on your trash collection day, not your recycling day. Set-out times depend on your building, and DSNY lists them on its collection rules page. Not sure which day is your trash day? Check the DSNY website or call 311.
Do box springs need a bag too?
Yes. The rule covers mattresses and box springs. Bag and seal each one separately.
What if I’m keeping the mattress, not throwing it out?
A mattress bag is just as useful for moving or storage. It keeps the mattress clean and protects it from dust and scuffs on the truck and in your unit. When storing a mattress, keep it in its bag and don’t stack heavy boxes on top of it. If you need somewhere to keep a mattress or a whole room of furniture, find your nearest Storage Plus.
Where can I buy a mattress bag in Brooklyn or Queens?
Storage Plus sells mattress bags in twin, full, queen and king sizes. Order them on our packing supplies page or pick them up at our locations in Greenpoint, East Williamsburg, Long Island City and Jamaica, along with boxes, tape, bubble wrap and shrink wrap.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the fine for putting out a mattress without a bag?
DSNY says you can be fined up to $300 if you don’t dispose of a mattress or box spring correctly.
Can I use regular garbage bags?
The mattress has to be fully inside a clear plastic bag that’s sealed shut. Piecing garbage bags together rarely covers it completely and tends to tear, so a bag made for your mattress size is the easiest way to meet the rule.
Do I need to schedule a pickup?
For a regular household mattress, DSNY’s instructions are to set it out, bagged, on your trash day. If you have questions about your building or a large amount of furniture, call 311.
Sources: NYC Department of Sanitation, Furniture, Mattresses, and Rugs and Collection Laws for Residents. Rules can change, so check DSNY’s site for the latest.
