Mattress Disposal in Allen County, Indiana

Last Updated: August 2026

Getting rid of an old mattress or box spring can be difficult because it won’t fit in a regular trash cart. Fort Wayne residents can schedule bulk pickup, while residents elsewhere in Allen County should check with their local trash provider or arrange private disposal.

Quick Answer

If you live in Fort Wayne, mattresses and box springs are accepted through the city’s scheduled bulk trash pickup service.

Mattresses and box springs must be completely wrapped in plastic. Pickup must be scheduled at least two business days before your regular garbage day, and the city accepts up to three bulky items per appointment.

Schedule through Fort Wayne Solid Waste or call 311.

Fort Wayne Solid Waste Management
Citizens Square
200 E. Berry Street, Suite 425
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-427-8311
Within Allen County: 311

Fort Wayne Mattress Pickup

The City of Fort Wayne’s bulk collection program accepts:

  • Mattresses
  • Box springs/bed springs
  • Furniture
  • Certain other oversized household items

For mattresses and box springs, wrap the entire item in plastic before placing it out for collection. Plastic mattress bags are commonly available at hardware and home improvement stores.

View Fort Wayne Solid Waste Information

Outside Fort Wayne

Allen County does not provide one countywide mattress pickup service. If you live in New Haven, Woodburn, Huntertown, Leo-Cedarville or another Allen County community, contact your municipality or private trash hauler.

Ask whether:

  • Mattress pickup is available.
  • Pickup must be scheduled.
  • The mattress must be wrapped.
  • There is an additional fee.
  • Box springs are accepted.

Private Mattress Removal

If municipal pickup isn’t available, private junk-removal companies are another option.

One service listed in Allen County’s recycling resource directory is Fort Wayne Recycling, LLC, which offers pickup of mattresses, bedding, furniture and other bulky items.

Fort Wayne Recycling, LLC
1626 N. Wells Street, Suite B
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
Phone: 260-749-2130

Note: This is primarily a pickup service, so call before attempting to bring an item to the listed address.

Can I Donate a Mattress?

Possibly, but mattress donation is more restrictive than furniture donation.

A mattress generally needs to be:

  • Clean
  • Free of stains
  • Free of odors
  • Undamaged
  • Free of bed bugs or other pests
  • In usable condition

Always contact the organization before transporting a used mattress. Many donation centers do not accept mattresses at all.

Before You Go

Before disposing of a mattress:

  • Check whether your local trash service offers bulk pickup.
  • Schedule pickup when required.
  • Wrap the mattress completely in plastic if required.
  • Don’t leave a mattress beside a dumpster or recycling site.
  • Confirm fees before hiring a private removal service.
  • Ask before taking a mattress to a donation center.

Local Tip

For Fort Wayne residents, don’t put the mattress at the curb and then call for pickup. Schedule the bulk collection first and make sure the mattress is completely wrapped in plastic.

This helps avoid a missed pickup and protects collection workers from exposure to pests and unsanitary materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fort Wayne pick up mattresses?

Yes. Mattresses and box springs are accepted through scheduled bulk trash pickup. They must be completely wrapped in plastic.

Do I have to schedule mattress pickup?

Yes. Fort Wayne requires bulk pickup to be scheduled at least two business days before your regular garbage collection day.

How many large items can Fort Wayne pick up?

The city’s bulk program allows up to three bulky items per pickup appointment.

Can I put a mattress in a recycling drop-off container?

No. Mattresses should not be placed in Allen County’s regular community recycling containers.

What if I live outside Fort Wayne?

Contact your municipality or trash hauler to ask about mattress and bulk-item disposal. Rules and fees vary by provider.

Related Pages

Official Resources

Fort Wayne Solid Waste Management
200 E. Berry Street, Suite 425
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phone: 260-427-8311
Allen County residents can also call 311.

Summary

Fort Wayne residents can dispose of mattresses and box springs through the city’s scheduled bulk pickup program. Mattresses must be completely wrapped in plastic, and pickup should be scheduled at least two business days before regular garbage day. Residents elsewhere in Allen County should contact their municipality or private trash provider for local mattress disposal options.