Looking to get rid of a mattress in Denver without paying a fortune? Here’s every free and low-cost option available in 2026, plus what actually works vs. what wastes your time.
Free Mattress Disposal Options in Denver
1. Denver Large Item Pickup (Free, But Slow)
Cost: Free | Wait time: 2-4 weeks
Denver residents can schedule a free large item pickup through Denver 311. Call 311 or use the Denver 311 app to request pickup. They’ll collect up to 5 large items from the curb.
The catch: You’ll wait 2-4 weeks for pickup. Your mattress sits on the curb that entire time. Some HOAs will fine you for this. And if it rains, you’ve got a soaked mattress rotting on your property.
2. Donate It (If It’s in Good Shape)
Cost: Free | Condition: Must be clean, no stains, no bed bugs
These Denver organizations accept mattresses in good condition:
- Arc Thrift Stores — multiple Denver locations, accepts clean mattresses
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Denver and Aurora locations
- Denver Rescue Mission — accepts for shelter use
- Salvation Army — free pickup for larger donations
The catch: Most charities won’t take stained, torn, or older mattresses. If yours isn’t in near-new condition, this won’t work.
3. Retailer Take-Back (When Buying New)
Cost: Free or $25-$50
When you buy a new mattress, many retailers will haul away the old one:
- Denver Mattress — free removal with purchase
- Mattress Firm — free removal with delivery
- IKEA — mattress recycling program (check availability)
- Costco — some locations offer haul-away with delivery
The catch: Only works if you’re buying a new mattress. And some charge $25-$50 for the service.
4. Mattress Recycling (Low Cost)
Cost: $10-$30 drop-off fee
Colorado has mattress recycling facilities that break down mattresses into recyclable components (steel springs, foam, fabric):
- Spring Back Colorado — mattress recycling nonprofit
- Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) — accepts mattresses for recycling fee
- Tower Road Transfer Station — Aurora, accepts mattresses
The catch: You have to transport it yourself. Fitting a king mattress in a sedan is… not fun.
When Free Options Don’t Work
Let’s be honest about when the free options fail:
- Your mattress is stained, torn, or has bed bugs — no charity will take it
- You live in an apartment or condo — no curbside pickup available
- You’re in Aurora, Lakewood, or suburbs — Denver 311 only covers Denver city limits
- You need it gone today — free options take weeks
- You don’t have a truck — can’t haul it to a recycling center yourself
- Your HOA will fine you for leaving it outside
Same-Day Mattress Removal: The Fast Option
When free doesn’t work, we pick up mattresses same-day starting at $75. Here’s what that includes:
- We come to your home, apartment, or storage unit
- We carry it out — any floor, any stairs, any tight hallway
- We take the box spring too (same price)
- We recycle or donate it properly
- Done in 15 minutes
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Single mattress | $75 |
| Mattress + box spring | $99 |
| Mattress + other furniture | $149 – $249 |
| Multiple mattresses | Ask for bundle pricing |
We serve all of Denver metro — not just Denver city limits. Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Thornton, Littleton, Parker, Centennial, and 20+ more cities.
Mattress Disposal Laws in Denver
A few things to know before you try to get rid of a mattress in Denver:
- You cannot leave a mattress in an alley or on the curb without a scheduled pickup — this is considered illegal dumping and carries fines of $150-$999
- Apartment dumpsters typically don’t accept mattresses — your property manager will charge you if you leave one
- Colorado landfills accept mattresses but charge $15-$30 on top of the gate fee
- Bed bug mattresses must be sealed in plastic before transport — most charities and recyclers won’t touch them
Bottom Line
If your mattress is clean and you’re not in a rush, try donating first. If it’s stained, you’re in an apartment, or you need it gone today — call us.
Need a Mattress Gone Today?
Same-day pickup from $75. Any condition. Any floor. Denver metro-wide.
