More than 50,000 mattresses are tossed daily in the U.S., and ~75% of each one can be recycled. Here’s how to handle yours in Dallas—whether you want free, same‑day, or planet‑friendly.
Quick answer
| Option | Cost | Landfill diversion? |
|---|---|---|
| City brush & bulky pickup (monthly) | Free (≤10 cu yd; 1×/yr up to 20 cu yd) | ❌ Mostly landfilled |
| Drop‑off stations | Free (with Dallas ID/water bill) | ❌ Currently landfilled |
| McCommas Bluff Landfill | ~$45 minimum+ (weight based) | ❌ 0% recycled |
| Private pickup / recycling haulers | ~$85–$200 (curbside vs in‑home) | ✅ Up to ~75% recycled |
| Donation (spotless & tagged) | Free | ✅ 100% reused if accepted |
Free city bulk pickup (brush & bulky week)
Dallas lets single‑family homes set out up to 10 cubic yards of brush and bulky trash (mattresses included) once per month. Set items at the curb no earlier than Thursday and no later than 7:00 a.m. Monday of your collection week. Dallas City Hall
Oversize once a year: You can request up to 20 cubic yards one time per calendar year by submitting a 3‑1‑1 request the week before pickup.
Pros: Free; no booking form.
Cons: You might wait weeks; no time window; piles can sit out days; still landfilled.
Tip: Keep the pile tidy—10 cu yd ≈ ten household ovens in volume. Dallas City News
Resident drop‑off stations (DIY, still free)
Dallas runs four drop‑off stations where residents (bring a water bill or DL with a Dallas address) can unload mattresses for $0. Hours: Tue–Sat, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Sun–Mon. Single‑axle trailers only; box trucks/commercial loads are refused.
Pros: Immediate; free.
Cons: You haul; weekend lines; goes to landfill.
Landfill or transfer stations (pay to dump)
Prefer a one‑stop dump without city ID rules? The McCommas Bluff Landfill (5100 Youngblood Rd.) is open to residents and businesses Mon–Fri 5 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat 6 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed Sun). Expect a minimum fee (~$45) or per‑ton charge.
Cons: Materials are landfilled—least green choice.
Private mattress removal & recycling (fastest, easiest)
Typical Dallas market rates: $85–$130 for a single curbside mattress, $150–$200 for multiple items or in‑home carry‑out. 1-800-GOT-JUNK?mrmattressdisposal.com
Ask each company:
- Do you recycle mattresses? Target ≥75% diversion (steel → scrap, foam → carpet pad).
- Is there a same‑day slot? Evening windows often have capacity with a few hours’ notice. 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
- Is pricing flat or volume‑based? Clarify item fees to avoid surprises. 1-800-GOT-JUNK?mrmattressdisposal.com
Donation (only if spotless and tagged)
Nonprofits like the Salvation Army only accept mattresses that are clean, stain‑free, pest‑free, and tagged. Schedule online or call; expect a 1–3 week lead time. Salvation Army Thrift Storesdallas.satruck.org
Common refusals: Even tiny stains, missing law tags, or odor. If rejected, book recycling so it doesn’t get illegally dumped.
Why recycle (and what gets recycled)
- Steel springs are cut and baled for scrap markets. Resource-Recycling
- Foam is shredded into carpet padding. Resource-Recycling
- Wood turns into mulch or biomass fuel. Resource-Recycling
- Fibers & fabric are upcycled or safely processed. mattressrecyclingcouncil.org
FAQs
What’s the cheapest way right now?
City brush & bulky week or a DIY drop‑off—both free if you follow rules. Dallas City HallDallas City Hall
Can I get free mattress pickup in Dallas?
Yes—during your monthly brush/bulky week, but it’s not on‑demand and there’s no precise time window. Dallas City HallDallas City News
Can I put a mattress in a dumpster?
Most apartment/complex dumpsters prohibit bulky items; improper dumping can mean fines or refusal by your waste company. Check your lease or call management. Dallas City Hall
How many mattresses can I set out?
As many as fit in 10 cubic yards monthly; request up to 20 cubic yards once a year through 3‑1‑1. Dallas City HallDallas City News
Is there a mattress recycler in Dallas?
No dedicated public recycler, but private haulers dismantle and divert materials. Ask about their recycling rate before booking. Resource-Recyclingmrmattressdisposal.com
Next steps
- Need it gone fast? Book a hauler with a recycling guarantee and a real arrival window.
- On a tight budget? Mark your bulky week on the calendar and set out after Thursday.
- Driving anyway? Take it to a drop‑off station with your Dallas ID.
- Spotless bed? Try donation first—but confirm rules to avoid wasted trips. dallas.satruck.org
Related guides
- Fort Worth mattress disposal guide – compare rules next door.
(Link: https://exmattress.com/fort-worth-mattress-disposal/) - Texas mattress disposal guide (statewide rules & recyclers) – coming soon.
- National mattress disposal guide – how other states handle recycling.
Your impact
Landfilling a single mattress takes up to tens of cubic feet of airspace and wastes recoverable steel and foam. Choosing recycling or donation keeps Dallas cleaner and conserves resources.
Questions we didn’t cover? Call Dallas Sanitation at 3‑1‑1 or check your brush/bulky calendar online before the next set‑out window arrives.
