In Jacksonville, you can get rid of an old mattress and box spring by setting it out for the city’s household bulk collection or by having a junk removal crew carry it out for you. Which one is right depends on where you live, whether you can move it yourself, and how soon it needs to be gone.
Quick answer: The City of Jacksonville lists mattresses as an accepted bulk item when placed within five feet of the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day. St. Johns County collects mattresses at the curb next to your garbage, Clay County counts one mattress or box spring set as one item in its monthly bulk pickup, and Nassau County accepts mattresses at its Callahan convenience center. For pickup from inside the home, call or text Cowford Can Co. at (833) 586-5255.
Mattress disposal rules by county
Duval County (City of Jacksonville)
The city’s household bulk collection page lists mattresses alongside sofas, chairs and other furniture. Items must be within five feet of the curb no later than 6 a.m. on collection day, and no piece may be longer than five feet. For your schedule or service problems, the city directs residents to (904) 630-CITY (2489) or MyJax.
A practical note: a queen or king mattress is longer than five feet. Check the current rules and your collection day before setting one out, and call the city if you are unsure whether it will be taken.
Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach and Atlantic Beach run their own collection programs, so beach residents should check with their city. Atlantic Beach, for example, says bedding and furniture go out next to the garbage toter on the regular pickup day, according to its solid waste collection page.
St. Johns County
The county’s residential curbside collection guidelines say large items such as couches, sectionals and mattresses go at the curb next to your regular garbage, set out by 6 a.m.
Clay County
Clay County’s bulk waste page allows one on-call bulk pickup per household per month, limited to two large items or up to three cubic yards. One mattress or box spring set counts as one furniture item. You need to schedule the pickup before setting items out.
Nassau County
The county’s convenience recycling center at 46026 Landfill Road in Callahan accepts mattresses from Nassau County residents at no charge, with limits on trailer size and loads per week. It does not accept rental or foreclosure cleanouts.
When a mattress pickup makes more sense
Curbside collection works well if you have a working back, a free collection day and a place to leave the mattress outside. It is a harder fit when:
- You are in an apartment or condo. Many complexes do not allow bulky items at the dumpster corral, and there may be no curb at all.
- The mattress is upstairs. King mattresses and pillow-top hybrids are floppy and heavy, which makes stairs difficult.
- You are moving out. A mattress sitting at the curb for days is a problem if you have a closing or a lease walkthrough.
- Rain is coming. A mattress that sits outside in a Jacksonville afternoon storm gets heavy, smells and may not be picked up.
- There is a bed frame, headboard and dresser too. Bedroom sets add up quickly against monthly bulk limits.
Can you donate or recycle a mattress?
Some charities and furniture banks accept mattresses, but many do not, and almost none take mattresses with stains, tears or signs of bed bugs. Call ahead before loading it up. If you suspect bed bugs, do not donate it. Tell your hauler so they can wrap and handle it appropriately.
How Cowford Can Co. removes mattresses and box springs
Cowford Can Co. handles single-item pickups as well as full bedroom and household cleanouts through our Jacksonville junk removal service. Here is how a mattress pickup works:
- Tell us what you have. Call or text (833) 586-5255 with the mattress size, whether there is a box spring or frame, and what floor it is on. A photo helps.
- Get a quote. We quote based on volume, labor and access. Our guide to junk removal costs in Jacksonville explains the factors.
- We do the carrying. The crew removes the mattress from inside the home and loads it. No dragging it down the stairs or out to the curb.
- Bundle other items. If you are also replacing a bed frame, headboard or nightstands, they can go on the same trip. See what a junk removal company can take.
Moving soon? Our moving cleanout guide covers what to clear out before the truck shows up.
Preparing for your mattress pickup
- Strip all sheets, mattress pads and protectors you want to keep.
- Take the bed apart if you can, or let us know and we will plan for it.
- Clear a path to the door and note any tight stair turns.
- Share gate codes, parking instructions or elevator reservations for apartments.
Need an old mattress gone? Call or text (833) 586-5255 or request a free quote. Cowford Can Co. serves Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau counties, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
FAQs
Does Jacksonville pick up mattresses for free?
Mattresses are listed as accepted items in the City of Jacksonville’s household bulk collection for automated service areas. The city page does not list a separate fee for bulk items. Confirm your collection day and current rules on the city site or by calling (904) 630-CITY.
Can I put a mattress in my apartment complex dumpster?
That depends entirely on your property’s rules. Many apartment communities prohibit bulky items in or next to the dumpster and may charge a fee. Ask your leasing office, or schedule a pickup so it leaves directly from your unit.
Do you take box springs and bed frames?
Yes. Box springs, metal and wood bed frames, headboards and footboards are common add-ons to a mattress pickup.
Can you remove a mattress with bed bugs?
Tell us before the pickup. We will let you know how to prepare it, which usually means sealing it in plastic, so it can be handled without spreading pests.
How fast can you pick up a mattress?
Scheduling depends on the day and route. Call or text (833) 586-5255 for current availability.