There are pretty strict rules about what you can do with a mattress in New York City and for good reason. If you think it's ok to just put your mattress on the sidewalk and hope for the best, I've got news for you (and a $100 fine)!
From The Official Website of the City of New York:
To help the City's fight against bedbugs and to avoid a $100 fine, seal any mattress or box spring in a plastic bag before putting it out with your regular garbage for bulk collection. You can get large plastic bags at department stores, home improvement stores, and moving supply centers.
That's right friends, bed bugs are EVERYWHERE just waiting for a chance to jump into your homes and ruin your lives. They sound harmless and small but they are mite-y evil (ha!) if you've ever had a chance to meet them in their millions.
The city doesn't supply the bags but you'll find them everywhere because it's not an uncommon process.
If your mattress is larger than 4 x 3 feet (which it is unless you're sleeping on a baby mattress) then you need to schedule an appointment to have it picked up. This goes for all large waste bigger than this size, don't just leave it on the sidewalk (there's no charge!)
Again from the City of New York:
Appointments cannot be made for City holidays or during times when collection is suspended due to snow operations. You can schedule an appointment up to four weeks in advance. However, next day appointments must be scheduled by midnight the previous day.
How to schedule a mattress pickup appointment
Simply head to DSNY's (Department of Sanitation) website, and schedule a pickup!
It's free, it's easy, and you should do it to keep everyone else safe.
Reporting an Illegally Dumped Mattress
If you do see a mattress sitting on the side of the road without a cover, you should report it to keep everyone safe!
If you are reporting a mattress or box spring that has been illegally dumped you do not have to cover it in a sealed plastic bag for collection. However, you must call 311 to request a pick up.
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Great article! Thank you for the tips.
This is so important. Unfortunately people don’t understand how harmful it can be when we don’t dispose of our trash/junk in the proper way. Keep up the good work!
Awesome article! thank you so much. A lot of people don’t realize the proper way to get rid of a mattress.
This is a great article and very helpful, thank you!
Thank you for the awesome info!