How to Dispose of an Old Mattress in Miami Beach (The Right Way)

That old mattress has served you well, but now it’s taking up valuable space. In a place as beautiful as Miami Beach, getting rid of bulky items isn’t just a matter of dragging them to the curb. Between strict condo rules, city regulations, and the risk of heavy fines, mattress disposal can be a real challenge.

Leaving it by a dumpster isn’t just an eyesore; it’s illegal and can result in fines ranging from $50 to $1,000.

So, what’s the right way to handle it?

As Miami Beach’s junk removal experts, we’ve put together the definitive guide. We’ll cover the free city options, the DIY routes, and the easiest “done-for-you” solution to reclaim your space today.

How to Get Rid of a Mattress in Miami Beach (Your Options)

Here is a quick breakdown of your three main options for mattress disposal in Miami Beach:

1. Schedule a City Bulk Pickup: The City of Miami Beach offers residents a limited number of free bulky item pickups per year. This option is free but requires you to call, schedule a confirmation, and follow strict rules.
2. Use a Free Drop-Off Location: If you have a truck, you can haul the mattress yourself to one of two city drop-off locations. This is free, but it’s only available on the first weekend of every month and requires proof of residency.
3. Hire a Private Junk Removal Service: An on-demand service, like Grunber, is the fastest option. A professional team comes to your home (or condo), does all the heavy lifting for you, and ensures the mattress is disposed of eco-friendly way, often on the same day.

Option 1: Using the City of Miami Beach Bulk Waste Service

For residents, the City of Miami Beach provides bulk waste removal services, which are handled by their contractor, Waste Connections. This service is designed for items too large for your regular trash, including furniture and mattresses.

Miami Beach residents are entitled to a set number of free bulk pickups per year (the city states either five or six, depending on the source).

How to Schedule Your Pickup

You cannot just leave your mattress on the curb and hope it disappears. You must schedule the pickup in advance.

1. Call the Sanitation Division directly at 786.515.2726 to schedule your bulk pickup.
2. You will be given a confirmation number and a scheduled pickup date.
3. Place your mattress at the curb no more than 24 hours before your scheduled pickup time.

Rules You MUST Follow (Or Risk a Fine)

This is the most critical part. Failing to follow these rules can lead to warnings and significant fines.

• Timing is Everything: Do not place your mattress out days in advance. It must be curbside only within the 24-hour window before your confirmed pickup.
• Curbside Only: You are responsible for getting the mattress from your apartment or home down to the curb. The city crew will not enter your property.
• Pro-Tip (The Plastic Bag Rule): While Miami Beach rules don’t explicitly state it, neighboring Miami-Dade County requires all mattresses to be fully encased in a plastic mattress bag and sealed with tape. This is to prevent the spread of pests and for sanitation workers safety. It is a best practice to follow this rule to avoid any chance of your pickup being rejected.

The Downside: You have to do the heavy lifting, navigate a phone scheduling system, and wait for your assigned day. If you live in a high-rise, getting a mattress to the curb is a major project.

Option 2: Haul It Yourself to a Free Drop-Off Location

If you have a truck and some muscle, the city offers a free DIY alternative. Miami Beach residents can drop off bulk items, including mattresses, at two designated locations.

However, this service is only available on the first weekend of every month, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m..

Free Bulk Drop-Off Locations:

• 140 MacArthur Causeway (Terminal Isle)
• 75 Street and Dickens Avenue

You must bring proof of Miami Beach residency, such as a driver’s license or a recent utility bill with your photo ID, to use this service.

The Downside: This option requires you to have a vehicle large enough to transport a mattress, be strong enough to lift it, and be available only on that specific first weekend of the month.

Option 3: The Easiest Way—On-Demand Junk Removal (Grunber)

Let’s be honest. Both city options require a lot of work from you. You’re either hauling a king-size mattress down an elevator or waiting weeks for a pickup slot.

Grunber was designed to fix this. We are the “Uber for junk removal.” We connect you with a local, vetted, and insured driver who is ready to handle the job now.

• Why Grunber is the Better Choice for Miami Beach?

Can You Recycle or Donate a Mattress in Miami?

This is a common question. Unfortunately, donating old mattresses is extremely difficult. For hygiene reasons, most charities (like Salvation Army and Goodwill) will not accept used mattresses or box springs.

Recycling, however, is a great option. A mattress is highly recyclable; up to 90% of its components (steel springs, wood frame, foam, and fabric) can be broken down and repurposed. The problem is that it requires a specialized facility.

When you use Grunber, you’re not just hiring muscle; you’re choosing a green solution. We prioritize recycling and ensure your old mattress components are diverted from the landfill, helping to keep Miami Beach beautiful.

Reclaim Your Space in Miami Beach Today

You have options for disposing of that old mattress in Miami Beach. You can navigate the city’s scheduling system and do the heavy lifting yourself, or you can load up a truck and head to a drop-off center on the first weekend of the month.

Or, you can make one click.

Skip the hassle, avoid the fines, and let a professional team handle it. Grunber provides a fast, transparent quote online. Our local drivers are ready to help.

Ready to get rid of that mattress? Book Your Pickup Today