Can You Put a Mattress on the Curb in Colorado?
Rules vary by municipality. Denver allows bulk items on the curb on your scheduled bulk pickup day — but mattresses must be bagged in plastic to be collected. Aurora, Lakewood, and most Front Range cities have similar bulk pickup programs, typically scheduled once per quarter per household.
Check with your city's waste management department before dragging a mattress to the curb. Uncovered mattresses are a code violation in most jurisdictions and can result in a fine.
Free Recycling Options
- ▸Spring Back Colorado: Colorado's dedicated mattress recycling nonprofit. Drop-off locations in the Denver metro. springbackcolorado.org.
- ▸Retailer take-back: If you're buying a new mattress, ask the retailer to haul your old one. Many offer free pickup with delivery.
- ▸Eco-Cycle CHaRM (Boulder): Accepts mattresses at their hard-to-recycle facility. Small fee may apply.
Donation Options
Mattresses in good condition (no stains, tears, or odors) can be donated to organizations like the Denver Rescue Mission, Volunteers of America, or local shelters. Most organizations require that the mattress be less than 5 years old and free of any signs of bed bugs.
Call ahead before donating — most shelters have limited storage and can only accept mattresses when they have a specific need.
When Landfill Is the Only Option
Mattresses that are heavily soiled, infested, or structurally damaged typically cannot be recycled or donated. The Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS) and other Front Range landfills accept mattresses for a surcharge.
The Simplest Option: Junk Removal
Troops Junk Removal hauls mattresses from bedrooms, basements, garages, or anywhere they're stored. We bag, carry, and route them to recycling programs when possible. No scheduling bulk pickup days, no renting a truck, no trip to the dump.
Call or text us for a flat-rate quote. Most single-mattress pickups take under 20 minutes.