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Got an old mattress taking up space in your Georgetown apartment or Capitol Hill row house? DC doesn’t have curbside bulk pickup for mattresses in most neighborhoods, and dragging a queen-size mattress down three flights of stairs isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. You need it gone today, not three weeks from now when the city might show up.
Here’s what mattress removal actually costs in DC and how to get it done without wrecking your back or your schedule.
Mattress Removal Pricing in Washington, DC
At Junk Guys DC, we charge based on the space your mattress takes up in the truck. Most single-item mattress removals run between $99-$150, depending on size and your location in the metro area.
| Mattress Size | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Twin/Twin XL | $99-$120 | Easiest to remove, smallest truck space |
| Full/Queen | $120-$140 | Most common residential size |
| King/Cal King | $140-$150 | Requires more truck space |
| Box Spring (additional) | +$40-$60 | Often removed with mattress |
We quote you a flat rate before we start. No surprise charges when we’re done. Our residential junk removal service covers mattress pickup from any room in your home you don’t lift anything.
Why You Can’t Just Toss a Mattress on the Curb in DC
DC’s Department of Public Works doesn’t accept mattresses through regular trash collection. You have to schedule a bulk item pickup, which can take 2-3 weeks and requires you to haul the mattress outside yourself on a specific collection day.
Most apartment buildings in Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Navy Yard ban mattresses in common trash areas due to bedbug concerns. Leave one there and you’ll probably get a nastygram from building management.
If you’re upgrading to a new mattress and need the old one gone before delivery, the city’s timeline doesn’t work. That’s where same-day removal makes sense.
What Happens to Your Old Mattress After Removal
We don’t just haul your mattress to the nearest landfill. Here’s our process:
- Donation — Mattresses in good condition (no stains, rips, or odors) go to local charities and shelters that accept bedding
- Recycling — Most mattresses get broken down at recycling facilities where metal springs, foam, and fabric are separated and reused
- Responsible disposal — Only mattresses that can’t be donated or recycled go to waste facilities, and we follow all DC regulations
About 70% of the mattresses we pick up in the DC metro area get recycled or donated. Foam becomes carpet padding, springs become scrap metal, and fabric gets repurposed.
When You Should Handle Mattress Disposal Yourself
If you own a pickup truck and have time to spare, you can haul your mattress to the Fort Totten Transfer Station yourself. It’s free for DC residents with proof of residency, and they accept mattresses during business hours.
You’ll need to wrap the mattress in plastic, load it yourself, drive to Fort Totten, wait in line, and unload it. If you’ve got a free Saturday morning and help with the heavy lifting, this saves you $100-$150.
Same-Day Mattress Removal Across DC Metro
We handle mattress removal in Washington DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and throughout Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Northern Virginia. Most calls we get in the morning result in pickup that afternoon.
You don’t need to wrap the mattress, move it to the curb, or meet us during a narrow time window. We call 15-30 minutes before arrival, haul it from wherever it is, and clean up after ourselves.
Removing a couch or other furniture at the same time? We charge by total truck space, so adding items to the same pickup usually costs less than separate trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home for mattress pickup?
Yes, we need access to wherever the mattress is located. If it’s outside or in an accessible garage and you’re comfortable with that, we can work around your schedule.
Can you remove a mattress from a bedroom upstairs?
Absolutely. We handle mattress removal from any floor, including tight staircases, narrow hallways, and walkup apartments. You don’t touch it we do all the lifting and maneuvering.
What if my mattress has bedbugs?
We remove mattresses with bedbug issues, but we can’t donate them. Let us know upfront so we can take proper precautions. The mattress goes directly to disposal, not recycling.
How much does it cost to remove a mattress and box spring together?
Most mattress and box spring combos run $140-$180 total, depending on size. We quote the full price over the phone based on what you’re removing.
Is there a cheaper option than hiring a removal service?
Yes, DC’s Fort Totten Transfer Station accepts mattresses for free if you haul them yourself. Check our transparent pricing page to compare costs and decide what works for your situation.
Ready to Schedule Mattress Removal in Washington?
We’ll pick up your mattress today and handle all the heavy lifting, stairs, and disposal. Most DC metro area calls we take in the morning get same-day service. No waiting weeks for city pickup, no renting a truck, no begging friends with vehicles for help.
Call (202) 702-6891 or visit Junk Guys DC to book your Washington appointment.
