How-To

Mattress Removal in Chicago - The Complete 2025 Guide

· 5 min read

Mattresses are one of the trickiest items to dispose of in Chicago. The city has rules. Most donation centers won’t take used ones. Recycling is limited. And they’re genuinely difficult to move alone.

Here’s exactly what you need to know.

Can You Leave a Mattress on the Chicago Curb?

Short answer: Not without bagging it first.

The City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation requires all mattresses placed at the curb for collection to be fully enclosed in a plastic mattress bag. Unbagged mattresses will not be collected and may result in a fine.

Mattress bags are available at Home Depot, Walmart, and most moving supply stores for around $10–$15.

Even with proper bagging, you’ll need to schedule bulk item pickup and wait up to 14 days.

Can You Donate a Used Mattress in Chicago?

Rarely. Most major donation centers in Chicago - including Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore - do not accept used mattresses. The reason: mattresses are difficult to inspect for bed bugs and sanitation concerns.

Exceptions: Some Chicago-area nonprofits that specifically serve low-income housing programs accept mattresses in excellent, near-new condition. If your mattress is less than 3 years old and in perfect condition, it’s worth calling local organizations.

Can Mattresses Be Recycled in Chicago?

Yes, partially. Mattress recycling exists in Illinois, but the infrastructure is limited. Most recycled mattresses are broken down into:

  • Steel springs (recycled as scrap metal)
  • Foam (shredded for carpet padding and other uses)
  • Fabric (sometimes recyclable, sometimes not)

Some recycling facilities accept mattresses for a small fee ($15–$30 per unit). junkMOOvers routes mattresses to certified recyclers when possible.

The Fastest Option: Professional Mattress Removal

If you need the mattress gone quickly, professional removal is the only same-day option.

How it works with junkMOOvers:

  1. Book online or call - same-day slots available
  2. We arrive in a 2-hour window
  3. We carry the mattress from any floor
  4. We bag it on-site if needed for legal transport
  5. We route to recycling or proper disposal

Cost: Single mattress from $79. Box spring add-on: +$39.

Mattress Removal Tips

  • Don’t leave it loose - a loose, unbagged mattress can’t legally be left curbside in Chicago
  • Inspect for bed bugs before removal - if you suspect bed bugs, inform the removal company; proper containment is required
  • Don’t assume donation is an option - confirm with the organization before planning your removal around it

Schedule mattress removal today → or call (773) 377-4148.