Mattress Disposal Guide for Steiner Ranch Residents

The disposal of a used mattress presents a common challenge for homeowners, requiring consideration of environmental responsibility and adherence to local regulations. This report aims to provide a comprehensive guide for residents of Steiner Ranch, outlining the various options available for the proper disposal of a mattress, including official waste management services, recycling facilities, donation opportunities, and junk removal services. Understanding these options and their specific requirements will enable Steiner Ranch residents to choose the most suitable and responsible method for their needs.

Research indicates that waste management services in Steiner Ranch are not provided by a single entity for all residents. Instead, the provision of these services appears to be structured around homeowner association (HOA) contracts and the services offered by the Water Control and Improvement District No. 17 (WCID 17). While the City of Austin Resource Recovery serves many areas within Austin, including some adjacent to Steiner Ranch, Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) is specifically identified as the residential waste services provider for Steiner Ranch.¹ Furthermore, WCID No. 17 partners with Waste Connections, Inc. to offer trash and recycling services to its customers.² This service from WCID 17 is noted as an optional program for residents who are not already under a specific waste management contract through their HOA.³ The Steiner Ranch Community Association Office can also be a point of contact for information regarding trash, recycling, and bulky waste pick-ups within specific neighborhoods.¹ Therefore, the first step for any Steiner Ranch resident looking to dispose of a mattress is to determine if their HOA has an existing arrangement for waste or bulky item disposal. If not, TDS and WCID 17 (through their partnership with Waste Connections) are the primary entities to investigate for official disposal options.

For residents seeking to utilize curbside bulky waste collection, both TDS and the City of Austin offer such services, although with differing policies and procedures. TDS, as the identified residential waste provider for Steiner Ranch, offers a bulky item collection service that includes mattresses, but typically for an additional fee.⁴ Generally, TDS collects up to three cubic yards of bulky items in a single pickup, which is roughly equivalent to the size of three washing machines.⁴ To schedule a bulky item pickup with TDS, residents need to contact their Customer Care team at (800) 375-8375.⁴ Items for collection should be placed at the curb no later than 7:00 AM on the scheduled day, and it is important to note that TDS will not enter a residence to remove items.⁶ There are specific charges for mattress disposal through TDS’s bulky waste service, with a queen-size mattress incurring a fee of $25 and a king-size mattress costing $50.⁷

The City of Austin also provides a residential bulk collection service that accepts mattresses.⁹ Starting in January 2025, this service will transition to an on-demand system, requiring residents to schedule an appointment for pickup.⁹ Each service address will be allowed up to three bulk collections per calendar year.⁹ To schedule a pickup, residents can use the Austin Recycles app, the city’s website, or call 3-1-1.⁹ On the scheduled collection day, items should be placed at the curb by 5:30 AM and separated into three piles: metal items and rigid plastics, non-metal items, and passenger car tires.⁹ While mattresses are included in the list of accepted bulk items, there is no explicit mention of additional fees for their collection.⁹

WCID 17, partnering with Waste Connections, also offers bulky collections.² Residents interested in this service should contact Waste Connections directly at (512) 282-3508 for specific inquiries regarding mattress disposal, scheduling, and any associated fees.² WCID 17’s guidelines specify a limit of three bulky items or bundles per week, with each item not exceeding two cubic yards in total volume, five feet in length, four inches in diameter for bundles, or forty pounds in weight.¹⁷

For those prioritizing environmentally conscious disposal, several mattress recycling centers operate in the Austin area. Ex-Mattress offers mattress recycling services with both pickup and drop-off options.¹³ Their pickup service costs a $65 fee plus $50 per mattress.¹³ Residents can also drop off mattresses at their facility located at 1915 Kramer Ln, Austin, TX 78758, for approximately $50 per mattress, though online booking is required.¹³ Duke’s Junk Recycling also provides mattress disposal and recycling services in Austin.¹³ Their curbside pickup service includes a flat fee of $100 plus per-item charges, with full and queen mattresses costing $50 each, and king mattresses also priced at $50.²¹ Duke’s Junk Recycling’s drop-off location is at 20301 Hog Eye Rd, Manor, TX 78653, open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.¹³ While the City of Austin’s Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center at 2514 Business Center Drive does not accept mattresses or furniture ²², the Travis County Landfill at 9600 FM 812, Austin, TX 78719, does accept household municipal waste, including mattresses, for a fee based on gate rates.⁵ Members of the general public using the landfill are required to wear hard hats, safety vests, and safety glasses.²³ Other private junk removal services, such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, Junk King, The Junkluggers, and Smiley’s Junk Removal & Recycling, also offer mattress recycling or disposal services in the Austin area.¹³

Donating a used mattress is another viable option, provided the mattress is in good condition. The Salvation Army often accepts gently used mattresses that are less than five years old, clean, without stains or rips, and still have their original tags.¹³ They offer a free pickup service which can be scheduled by calling 512-416-0607 or 1-800-SA-TRUCK, or through their website at satruck.org.¹³ Drop-off locations are also available at 4216 S. Congress Avenue and 8801 B Research Boulevard in Austin.¹³ It is important to note that the Salvation Army has strict guidelines regarding the condition of donated items and may refuse pickup if the mattress does not meet their criteria.¹³ Hope Family Thrift Store (part of the Austin Disaster Relief Network) may accept mattresses in excellent condition, but this is at their discretion due to limited space; it is advisable to contact them first at 512-806-0800.²⁰ Casa Marianella also accepts mattresses and bed frames in good condition when they have an immediate need; residents should call 512-385-5571 or email [email protected] to coordinate.²⁰ In contrast, the Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore does not accept used mattresses and box springs.²⁹ Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can also be used to give away or sell a mattress for free pickup.¹³ Asherfield provides a platform for selling used furniture online, including mattresses.¹⁹

Utilizing professional junk removal services offers a convenient, albeit potentially more costly, solution for mattress disposal in Steiner Ranch. Several companies service this area, including Stand Up Guys Junk Removal ³¹, Lose Your Junk ³³, Dash Away Hauling ³⁴, and Junk Monkey Junk Removal.³⁵ Stand Up Guys Junk Removal can be contacted at their Austin office at (512) 508-8552 and offers a range of services including furniture removal and free estimates.³² Lose Your Junk provides online and phone booking with free on-site estimates and focuses on donation and recycling.³³ Dash Away Hauling handles various types of junk, including furniture, and also offers dumpster rentals; they can be reached via [email protected].³⁴ Junk Monkey Junk Removal emphasizes eco-friendly practices for mattress, furniture, and appliance removal.³⁵ Additionally, national companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? (1-512-287-7996) offer same-day mattress disposal services in Austin, with a focus on recycling and donation.¹³ The cost for these services can vary, and obtaining quotes from multiple providers is recommended.¹³

Local ordinances and regulations in Travis County and the City of Austin also play a role in mattress disposal. The City of Austin requires residents to schedule a bulk pickup for large items like mattresses, and discarding a mattress on the curb without a scheduled appointment can be considered illegal dumping.¹⁴ While Travis County provides resources for waste disposal, specific regulations regarding mattress disposal in Steiner Ranch are likely aligned with the City of Austin’s if the area falls within Austin’s jurisdiction or extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).³⁹ Residents using WCID 17’s services should adhere to their guidelines for bulky waste collection.¹⁷ It is advisable for Steiner Ranch residents to check the City of Austin’s website or call 3-1-1 to confirm specific ordinances related to their address.

Finally, alternative mattress disposal methods include inquiring about retailer take-back programs when purchasing a new mattress.⁵ Many retailers offer to haul away the old mattress upon delivery of a new one, often for free or a small fee. Dedicated mattress recycling services, as detailed earlier, also provide an environmentally responsible alternative to landfills.¹³ While DIY recycling or creative reuse is theoretically possible, it is generally not a practical solution for most individuals.⁵

In summary, Steiner Ranch residents have several options for mattress disposal, each with its own considerations of cost, convenience, and environmental impact. Checking with the HOA and contacting TDS are crucial first steps to understand the official waste management options available. Utilizing the City of Austin’s bulk collection service (if eligible) can be a free option, while private recycling services and junk removal companies offer more convenient but fee-based solutions. Donating a mattress is possible if it meets stringent condition requirements, primarily through the Salvation Army. Finally, being aware of local regulations, particularly the City of Austin’s requirement for scheduled bulk pickups, is essential to ensure proper and legal disposal.

Key Contacts and Resources for Mattress Disposal:

• Steiner Ranch Community Association Office: 512-266-7553
• Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) Customer Care: 800-375-8375 or 512-329-1752
• City of Austin Resource Recovery: 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000
• Waste Connections (via WCID 17): 512-282-3508
• Salvation Army Donation Pickup: 512-416-0607 or 1-800-SA-TRUCK
• Ex-Mattress: 512-537-9270
• Duke’s Junk Recycling: 512-520-7495
• 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Austin: 1-512-287-7996
• Travis County Landfill: 512-243-6300
• City of Austin Bulk Waste Information: austintexas.gov/bulk
• Salvation Army Donation Scheduling: satruck.org

Mattress Disposal Options in Steiner Ranch: A Comparison Table

Conclusion

Disposing of a mattress in Steiner Ranch requires residents to navigate a landscape of options that include official waste management services, specialized recycling, charitable donation, and junk removal. The most suitable method will depend on individual circumstances, including the condition of the mattress, budget, and preference for environmental responsibility. By understanding the nuances of each option, Steiner Ranch residents can ensure their used mattresses are disposed of in a manner that is both compliant with local regulations and mindful of environmental concerns.