If you’re trying to figure out how to dispose of a mattress in Fort Lauderdale, you’re not alone. Whether you’re upgrading your sleep setup, handling a move-out, or tackling a home or rental cleanout, there are multiple mattress removal options available throughout Broward County.
From Fort Lauderdale’s bulk pickup program and local donation centers to mattress recycling drop-offs, junk hauling services, and roll-off dumpster rentals for larger volume jobs—this guide walks you through the most effective and compliant ways to get rid of a mattress. You’ll also find details on local rules, preparation guidelines, and when renting a dumpster becomes the most efficient solution for mattress disposal—especially if you’re dealing with other bulky household items at the same time.
Your Mattress Disposal Options in Fort Lauderdale
1. Use the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Bulk Trash Pickup Service
The City of Fort Lauderdale provides monthly bulk trash collection for residents living in single-family homes and certain multifamily units. Mattresses are accepted as part of this service, but must be placed curbside no later than 7:00 a.m. on your assigned pickup day.
Mattresses should be fully wrapped in plastic or secured in a mattress disposal bag to meet sanitation and safety guidelines.
Pros: Free municipal service, no need to haul items far
Cons: Limited to one pickup per month; prep guidelines must be followed
2. Donate a Gently-Used Mattress to Local Charities
If your mattress is clean, stain-free, and in good condition, you may be able to donate it to a local nonprofit. Fort Lauderdale is home to several organizations that accept gently-used mattresses and may provide pickup for free or a nominal fee.
Top Nonprofits That May Accept Mattresses:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Broward – Free pickups for qualifying items
HOPE South Florida – Accepts furniture for homeless families (call ahead)
Salvation Army Fort Lauderdale – Schedule a drop-off or home pickup
Vietnam Veterans of America (Pickup Please) – Limited furniture accepted
Pros: Eco-conscious, supports local families, potential tax benefits
Cons: Strict condition requirements; pickup availability varies
3. Schedule a Junk Removal Service
If your mattress is damaged, stained, or not suitable for donation, a junk removal service offers a fast and easy alternative. These companies handle all the lifting and hauling, with many offering same-day or next-day service in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Local Providers Include:
College HUNKS Hauling Junk – Fort Lauderdale
Junk King Fort Lauderdale
881 NE 30th St, Oakland Park, FL 33334
Tel: 954-514-9333
NICK’S JUNK REMOVAL FORT LAUDERDALE
3901 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Tel: 954-543-1804
Pros: Hands-off removal, fast service, responsible disposal options
Cons: Pricing depends on volume or number of items
4. Drop Off at a Local Landfill or Recycling Facility
Another mattress disposal option is to transport it yourself to a local landfill or transfer station. This is a good fit if you have access to a vehicle and want a low-cost DIY solution.
Recommended Drop-Off Location:
Broward County Central HHW Drop-Off Station
5490 Reese Rd, Davie, FL 33314
Tel: 954-765-4999
Some sites charge a per-item fee and may reject mattresses that are wet, soiled, or infested—always call ahead to confirm.
Pros: Inexpensive for single items; recycling may be possible
Cons: Requires personal transport and manual handling
5. Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster for Mattress & Bulk Waste
If you’re dealing with multiple mattresses or combining the disposal with other furniture or debris, a roll-off dumpster is the most efficient route. Elgins Dumpsters serves Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas with 10-yard and 15-yard container rentals at flat rates.
Local Providers Include:
Elgins Dumpsters Fort Lauderdale
Tel: (954) 338-4406
Gorilla Dumpster Rentals
Tel: 954-477-3885
Pros: Ideal for large projects, load at your pace, no need for city scheduling
Cons: Requires driveway space; not cost-effective for just one mattress
Local Rules & Regulations for Mattress Disposal in Fort Lauderdale & Broward County
Disposing of a mattress in Fort Lauderdale—or anywhere in Broward County—means following a mix of city-specific protocols and countywide sanitation rules. Proper preparation and awareness of your area’s collection services can help avoid fines, rejected pickups, or missed service windows.
Here’s what you should know:
Curbside Bulk Pickup Rules (City of Fort Lauderdale)
The City of Fort Lauderdale provides **monthly bulk trash pickup** for single-family homes and small multifamily residences. Mattresses are accepted as part of this service but must follow city prep requirements.
Key guidelines include:
Place the mattress curbside no earlier than 7:00 p.m. the night before your scheduled collection day
All mattresses must be sealed in plastic or mattress disposal bags
Maintain 3 feet of clearance from mailboxes, poles, fences, or other items
To verify your bulk pickup day, visit fortlauderdale.gov or call 954-828-8000.
Unincorporated Broward County Guidelines
If you live outside city limits in unincorporated Broward County, bulk waste services are handled by private haulers or through the **Broward County Waste and Recycling Services**.
Key rules include:
You may need to call your hauler or property management to schedule a large item pickup
Mattresses should be wrapped and placed curbside in accordance with your zone’s assigned dates
To find details, visit broward.org/waste or call 954-765-4999
Landfill & Drop-Off Site Requirements
Broward County operates several drop-off locations for residential solid waste. These include **Central Disposal Centers** and **Transfer Stations** that accept large items like mattresses.
Important reminders:
ID and proof of Broward County residency may be required
A small per-item fee may apply
Soiled, infested, or wet mattresses may be rejected at the gate
Recommended site:
Broward County Central HHW Drop-Off Station
5490 Reese Rd, Davie, FL 33314
Tel: 954-765-4999
Donation & Recycling Notes
Local charities in Fort Lauderdale will typically **only accept mattresses that are clean, gently used, and free of stains or tears**. Pickup options may be available but often require advance scheduling.
Mattress recycling centers are limited in South Florida, but some junk removal companies offer responsible disposal that includes recycling or donation sorting.
Pro Tip: Whether you’re donating, recycling, or scheduling bulk pickup, wrapping your mattress is almost always required. Failing to do so can result in non-collection or fines—especially in coastal zones with stricter sanitation codes.
Choosing the Right Mattress Disposal Method for Your Needs
When figuring out how to dispose of a mattress in Fort Lauderdale, the best method depends on your specific situation—whether you’re on a tight timeline, dealing with multiple items, or looking for the most eco-conscious solution available in Broward County.
The table below compares the most common disposal methods to help you decide which one fits your needs best:
| Method | Cost | Convenience | Restrictions | Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curbside Bulk Pickup (Fort Lauderdale) | Free | Moderate – once per month | Must be bagged/wrapped and placed properly | Low – typically sent to landfill |
| Donation to Charity | Free | Moderate – schedule required | Accepted only if in excellent condition | High – extends usable life |
| Junk Removal Service | $$ – varies by service | High – no lifting or transport needed | Few restrictions; some cost variability | Moderate – some haulers recycle |
| Landfill or Drop-Off Center | Low – small fee per item | Low – self-transport required | ID required; limits on item condition | Low – usually not recycled |
| Roll-Off Dumpster Rental | $$ – flat-rate | High – self-paced and flexible | Requires driveway or placement space | Moderate – hauler may sort and recycle |
When Dumpster Rentals Make Sense for Mattress Disposal
If you’re only discarding one mattress, Fort Lauderdale’s monthly bulk pickup or donation programs may be enough. But when the job involves multiple mattresses, an estate cleanout, or you’re pairing the mattress with large furniture, a dumpster rental is likely the most efficient route.
Here’s when renting a dumpster makes the most sense in Broward County:
You’re replacing mattresses in multiple bedrooms
You’re cleaning out a home, apartment, or storage unit
The mattress is stained, broken, or cannot be donated
You’re also disposing of bed frames, dressers, or home debris
You want to avoid scheduling delays or multiple landfill trips
With a roll-off dumpster, you can toss everything on your timeline and avoid hidden fees or hauling logistics.
Recommended Sizes for Single or Multiple Mattress Removal
Not sure what size dumpster you need? Use this quick breakdown based on your project size:
| Mattress Disposal Scenario | Recommended Dumpster Size |
|---|---|
| One mattress + light furniture (e.g., nightstand) | 10-yard dumpster |
| 2–3 mattresses + bedroom furniture | 15-yard dumpster |
| Whole-home cleanout or large renovation | 20-yard dumpster or larger |
Before renting, make sure your driveway or property can accommodate the container, and always check with your hauler about restricted items like electronics, batteries, or paint.