Your old mattress doesn’t belong in a landfill and Toronto gives you multiple ways to get rid of it without breaking the bank. Whether you want it gone this week or you’re willing to wait for free city pickup, you’ve got options that actually work.
Toronto’s free bulk item curbside pickup is the cheapest way to dispose of a mattress just register online, wrap it, and leave it at the curb on your assigned date. If you need it gone faster, paid junk removal runs $100–$300. If your mattress is still in good condition, donation to a local charity keeps it out of the landfill and may earn you a tax deduction.
Your Mattress Disposal Options at a Glance
| Method | Cost | Timeline | Best For |
| Bulk item curbside pickup | Free | 2–4 weeks (registration to pickup) | Budget-conscious, flexible timeline |
| Donation | Free | 1–7 days | Good condition mattress, supporting charities |
| Drop-off recycling | Free–$20 | 1–3 days (your effort) | DIY approach, control over timing |
| Paid junk removal | $150–$300 | Same day–3 days | Urgency, convenience, heavy/damaged mattress |
| Kijiji/Facebook free pickup | Free | 1–7 days | Minimal hassle, if someone wants it |
Option 1: Free Bulk Item Curbside Pickup
This is Toronto’s most affordable option, and it’s easier than you’d think—but you need to plan ahead.
What it is: The City of Toronto’s bulk item program lets you leave large items (including mattresses) at your curbside for free city pickup. You don’t throw it in the garbage; the city collects it separately and sends it to a waste facility.
Here’s who qualifies:
- You live in Toronto (single-family homes, townhouses, and some condos)
- Your mattress is wrapped in plastic or placed in a sealed bag
- You’re not combining it with more than two other bulky items per pickup
- Your curb has safe, level access (not in an alley or blocked by parked cars)
Your step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check your collection schedule.
Visit toronto.ca/bulkitems or call 311 to find your neighborhood’s bulk item pickup date. Collections happen once every two weeks in most areas, but schedules vary by ward. Mark the date on your calendar you need to register before the registration deadline (usually 5–7 days before pickup).
Step 2: Register online.
Go to the Toronto.ca bulk item portal and enter your address and item type (mattress). You’ll get a confirmation and your exact pickup date. Registration is free. If you don’t have internet access, call 311 to register by phone.
Step 3: Prepare your mattress.
This step matters. Wrap your mattress tightly in plastic sheeting or place it in heavy-duty bags. The city’s trucks are automated and an unwrapped mattress can jam the equipment or fall off the truck. You can use:
- Clear plastic wrap (like moving wrap)
- Heavy-duty garbage bags (tape them shut)
- An old bed sheet tied securely (less ideal, but acceptable)
Leave your mattress at the curb, but don’t put it out more than 24 hours early—it can obstruct the street or invite dumping.
Step 4: Pickup day.
Your mattress should be at the curb by 6 a.m. on your scheduled date. A city truck will collect it between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (exact times vary). You don’t need to be home; just make sure it’s accessible and wrapped.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks from registration to pickup.
What happens next: Your mattress goes to the Toronto Waste Transfer Station, where it’s assessed for reuse, recycling, or landfill disposal. Springs and metal get separated and recycled; foam and wood are sent to energy recovery or composting facilities.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Forgetting to register: Registration closes 5–7 days before pickup. If you miss it, you wait another 2 weeks.
- Wrapping it wrong: An unwrapped mattress won’t be picked up.
- Combining too many items: Limit bulk items to 3 per pickup (mattress, dresser, and one more).
- Putting it out too early: It blocks the street and might be stolen or damaged.
Option 2: Toronto Drop-Off Depots & Recycling Facilities
If you’d rather not wait 2–4 weeks, you can drop off your mattress yourself. It’s faster, but it requires a vehicle and some legwork.
Where to go:
Toronto Waste Transfer Station (multiple locations)
- 50 Commissioners Street (downtown)
- 1675 Bloor Street West (near Dundas West)
- Hours vary; check toronto.ca for current times
- Cost: Free for residents (with proof of Toronto residency)
Private recycling facilities (e.g., Toronto Demolition Recycling)
- Accept mattresses for $10–$20 per item
- Slightly more convenient hours than city depots
- Ask ahead to confirm mattress acceptance
What you need:
- Your mattress (wrapped or not—your choice)
- Proof of Toronto residency (ID with current address)
- A vehicle large enough to fit a mattress (full-size mattress is ~54″ x 76″)
The process: Drive to the facility, check in at the gate, drive to the mattress drop-off area, unload, and leave. Takes 10–20 minutes total.
Timeline: Same day if you go right away; usually a 1–3 day wait if you’re busy.
Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm hours and current mattress acceptance—some facilities occasionally stop accepting mattresses during peak months.
Option 3: Donate Your Mattress (If It’s in Good Condition)
If your mattress is still comfortable and clean, donation keeps it out of the waste stream and helps someone in need.
Eligibility checklist: Can your mattress be donated?
- ✓ No visible stains, odors, or mold
- ✓ Springs and frame are firm (not sagging)
- ✓ No large tears or holes in the cover
- ✓ Less than 10 years old (ideal)
If your mattress fails any of these, skip to junk removal or bulk pickup instead.
Where to donate in Toronto:
The Furniture Bank (416-658-1997)
Serves low-income Toronto residents. They pick up mattresses for free within city limits if it’s in good condition. Call for an intake appointment.
Salvation Army Toronto (Multiple locations)
Check their website for local donation centers. Some accept mattresses; call ahead to confirm. Drop-off is free.
Mission Services of Toronto
Accepts mattress donations if clean and usable. Call 416-921-4266 for drop-off details.
Kijiji / Facebook Marketplace (free pickup)
Post “free mattress” and let someone pick it up. Fastest way to get it gone if it’s in decent shape—people still want free beds.
Step-by-step:
- Call the organization and describe your mattress’s condition.
- Ask about pickup or drop-off. Furniture Banks often pick up; others may require you to drop off.
- Schedule a date and wrap/prepare your mattress as requested.
- Keep a receipt if you donated; it’s tax-deductible in Canada (claim on your next return).
Timeline: 1–7 days, depending on the organization’s availability.
Why donate instead? Donation extends your mattress’s life, supports people experiencing housing insecurity, and feels better than throwing it away. Plus, donations are tax-deductible.
Option 4: Paid Junk Removal Services
Use this if you need your mattress gone fast and you don’t mind paying for convenience.
How much does it cost?
Mattress removal in Toronto typically runs $100–$300 depending on:
- Location (downtown Toronto is pricier)
- Your mattress condition (damaged mattresses may cost more)
- Add-on items (hauling the mattress + other furniture?)
- Same-day vs. scheduled pickup (same-day premium: +$50–$100)
Popular services in Toronto:
Bins Toronto
- Pricing: $100–$200 for mattress removal
- Local to GTA, responsive service
- Drop-off or pickup options
Mattress Miracle
- Pricing: $150–$250 (mattress-specific service)
- Eco-friendly disposal focus
- Local Toronto business
IKEA Furniture Removal (if you’re buying from IKEA)
- Pricing: $50–$100 (included with some purchases)
- Requires concurrent furniture purchase
How to get a quote:
- Visit their website or call.
- Describe your mattress and location.
- Choose a pickup date.
- Pay (usually online or at time of service).
- They pick it up and haul it away.
Timeline: Same day to 3 days, depending on demand.
Pros: Fast, convenient, no wrapping required, no planning ahead.
Cons: Most expensive option, requires scheduling.
Alternative Methods
Mattress Store Trade-In Programs
Buying a new mattress? Many retailers (Sleep Country, Endy, etc.) offer free mattress removal when you purchase. Ask before you buy.
Facebook Marketplace / Kijiji (Free Pickup)
Post your mattress as “free” or for $20–$50. If it’s in decent shape, someone local will grab it within hours. This is the fastest informal option.
Community Buy-Nothing Groups
Join your local Toronto Buy-Nothing Facebook group and post your mattress. Neighbors can claim it for free, and pickup is usually quick.
Where Does Your Mattress Actually Go? (Environmental Impact)
Here’s what happens to your mattress after pickup—and why it matters.
At the Toronto Waste Transfer Station:
Your mattress enters the facility and goes through assessment:
- Metal springs are separated by electromagnets and sent to scrap metal recycling
- Foam and padding are sent to energy recovery facilities (burned to generate electricity)
- Wooden frame goes to composting or biomass energy plants
- Fabric cover is typically landfilled (not yet widely recyclable)
The numbers: A full-size mattress weighs ~60–90 lbs. About 60–70% of that (springs and wood) is recoverable; the rest requires energy recovery or landfilling.
Why this matters: Landfills are reaching capacity in Ontario. By choosing bulk pickup, donation, or recycling, you’re keeping methane-producing materials out of the ground and extending landfill life for future generations.
Conclusion
Disposing of an old mattress in Toronto doesn’t have to be difficult. Free municipal disposal options, mattress recycling, donation, and paid junk removal services can all be useful depending on the mattress condition, your location, and how quickly you need it removed. Before choosing an option, check Toronto’s current waste guidelines and confirm whether pickup or drop-off requirements apply. Choosing the right disposal method can also help keep reusable materials out of landfills.
FAQs
Can I put a mattress in the garbage in Toronto?
No. Toronto bylaw prohibits mattresses in garbage or blue bins. It’s considered “bulky waste” and must be disposed of through bulk item pickup, donation, or paid removal. Putting a mattress in the trash can result in a fine.
How far in advance do I need to register for bulk pickup?
Registration typically closes 5–7 days before your pickup date. Check toronto.ca for your ward’s exact deadline. If you miss it, the next pickup is 2 weeks away.
Is mattress removal free with the City of Toronto?
Yes, bulk item pickup is completely free. Drop-off at transfer stations is also free for residents. Only paid junk removal services charge.
What if my mattress is too big to fit at the curb or is blocking the sidewalk?
You can place it partially in your driveway or on private property, as long as it doesn’t obstruct the public sidewalk or street. The city’s trucks are designed to handle large items. If there’s truly no safe space, call 311 and ask about alternative placement options.
Can I donate a stained or damaged mattress?
Charities won’t accept it. Donation organizations accept only clean, usable mattresses. If yours is stained, torn, or damaged, choose bulk pickup or paid removal instead.
What if I miss my bulk pickup date?
Call 311 or re-register online for the next collection (2 weeks away). The city doesn’t offer make-up pickups if you’re not home or forget.
Do I need to disassemble my mattress?
No. Leave it intact and wrapped. Disassembly is unnecessary and not recommended.
Can I combine my mattress with other bulk items in one pickup?
Yes, but you’re limited to 3 items total per collection. So: mattress + dresser + nightstand = okay. Mattress + dresser + nightstand + bookshelf = too many.
How do I know if a mattress is too old to donate?
Charities typically accept mattresses less than 10 years old in good condition. If your mattress is older, it’s probably sagging anyway bulk pickup or paid removal is your best bet.
What’s the best way to transport a mattress in a car?
Tie it securely to your roof rack or truck bed with rope or ratchet straps. Never leave it loose in the bed; it can shift or fall. If you don’t have a truck, use a junk removal service or arrange for pickup/donation instead.