New York guide
How to get rid of a mattress in New York
New York State does not currently run a statewide mattress producer-responsibility / stewardship program like some other states. Mattress disposal is local: town transfer stations, municipal bulk collection, retailer haul-away, or private junk removal. Proposed stewardship bills have appeared in the Legislature, but do not treat pending bills as current law.
Facts checked against NYS sources and town pages on 2026-11-05.
Statewide context
- There is no enacted statewide mattress recycling fee or take-back network comparable to PaintCare for paint.
- Many towns ban or limit mattresses at the transfer station, charge a per-unit fee, or route them through bulky trash pickup.
- NYC residents follow DSNY bulk-setout rules (separate from the upstate and Long Island town pages listed here). Confirm DSNY bagging and setout instructions on nyc.gov if you live in the five boroughs.
- Do not abandon mattresses roadside. Illegal dumping is a local code and environmental enforcement issue.
Related stewardship context (paint, not mattresses): NYSDEC Postconsumer Paint Collection Program.
Town transfer stations on TownDumps
These New York town pages publish a mattress or box-spring note from official municipal sources.
- Babylon - Town FAQ routes mattresses/furniture primarily through curbside (one furniture item with garbage pickup). Confirm Center acceptance before loading a mattress.
- Bethlehem - Mattresses twin and larger $30 each (recycled); box springs $10 each (rates as of 3/1/2026).
- Brookhaven - 2026 Landfill Fee Schedule: mattress and box spring set $25.00 per set for flat-fee and non-commercial columns.
- East Hampton - Confirm mattress and furniture tip fees on the 2026 Residential Fee Schedule PDF before loading.
- Islip - Mattresses are listed among items not accepted at the facility. Call Environmental Control 631-595-3630 for proper disposal methods.
- Southampton - Bulk / furniture-type materials may be fee-based. Confirm mattress rules and dollars on the Waste Management Fee Schedule before loading.
If your town is not listed yet
Call your town or city public works / sanitation office, ask whether the transfer station accepts mattresses, and ask about curbside bulky rules. Retailers sometimes offer haul-away when you buy a new mattress. Charities may accept clean, usable units only.