Mattresses are one of the most common items Raleigh homeowners need to get rid of — and one of the most awkward. They're bulky, hard to transport, and most donation centers won't take them. Here's exactly what mattress disposal costs in Raleigh in 2026, plus all your options.
Mattress Removal Pricing in Raleigh
All single-mattress pickups meet our $95 service-call minimum (truck + crew). Add-ons and second mattresses scale from there.
- Twin or twin XL mattress: $95 – $115
- Full mattress: $95 – $115
- Queen mattress: $95 – $125
- King or California king mattress: $115 – $150
- Box spring (any size): $40 – $60 added to mattress price
- Complete bed (mattress + box spring + frame): $150 – $225
- Adjustable base: $100 – $175
- Multiple mattresses (3+): Volume pricing typically saves 20-30%
Does Raleigh Take Mattresses Curbside?
Yes — but with limits. The City of Raleigh's Bulky Item Collection program accepts mattresses at the curb for $35 per load (effective April 2026), but there are rules:
- Maximum 4 cubic yards per load
- Must be placed curbside at least 5 feet from mailboxes, poles, and cars
- Scheduled pickup only (no drop-by service)
- Cancellations must be received before noon the business day before pickup
- Trucks will not collect if items are blocked by vehicles or branches
If you only have one or two mattresses and can wait 1-3 weeks for a slot, the city service is the cheapest option. If you need same-day removal or can't haul the mattress to the curb yourself, a private hauler is usually the move.
Mattress Recycling: What Actually Happens
Mattresses are up to 90% recyclable — foam, fiber, steel springs, and wood frames all have recycling streams. But mattresses sent to landfills don't get separated; they get buried intact.
At Oak City Hauling, we route mattresses to specialized recyclers when available. The steel springs go to metal recyclers, foam gets reprocessed into carpet padding, and fabric layers are shredded into industrial stuffing. It costs us more per mattress than landfilling — but it's the right thing to do.
Donation: Why It's Harder Than You'd Think
Most charities in the Triangle do not accept mattresses, regardless of condition. Here's why:
- Bedbug liability: A single infested mattress can contaminate an entire donation warehouse
- Hygiene regulations: NC health code restricts used mattress resale
- Storage and transport costs: Mattresses take up enormous warehouse space
A few exceptions: some domestic violence shelters and transitional housing programs will accept unused, factory-sealed mattresses (often donated by mattress retailers). If your mattress has been slept on, donation is not a viable path.
The Bedbug Protocol
If you think your mattress might have bedbugs, please tell us upfront. Here's why:
- We wrap infested mattresses in heavy plastic before removal to prevent spread
- Mattresses are disposed of (not recycled) to avoid contaminating processing facilities
- This doesn't cost extra — we just need to know to prepare properly
If you're unsure, check for small brown/black spots, tiny white eggs, or live bugs along mattress seams and corners. Early detection saves everyone headaches.
Mattress Disposal Options in Raleigh (Ranked)
- Private hauler (fastest): $95-$125 per mattress, same-day pickup, they lift and haul. Best for urgency or upper-floor removal.
- Raleigh city bulk pickup (cheapest): $35 per load, curbside only, 1-3 week wait
- Retailer haul-away: $25-$50 added to new mattress purchase, only on delivery day
- Wake County Convenience Centers: $5-$15 per mattress if you haul it yourself
- Illegal dumping: Never — fines in Wake County start at $250 and include cleanup costs
How to Prep a Mattress for Pickup
- Strip all bedding and sheets (we don't take those)
- If possible, wrap in a mattress disposal bag — $10 at Home Depot, keeps things cleaner
- For upstairs mattresses, we'll carry them down — no prep needed beyond clearing the path
- If you suspect bedbugs, wrap in plastic and tell us before we arrive
Combining Mattress Disposal with Other Junk
Moving? Upgrading the whole bedroom? It's almost always cheaper to bundle mattresses with other junk. A half-truck load ($250-$300) covers a queen mattress + box spring + bed frame + dresser + nightstands — significantly less than paying per item.
Schedule Mattress Pickup in Raleigh
We offer same-day mattress removal across Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, Durham, and the full Triangle. Text a photo or book online for a firm quote. See our mattress removal service page or call (984) 983-8500.