1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Mattress Removal Cost: What You Will Actually Pay
A single mattress removal from 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK typically costs between $70 and $100. That range is the company’s published single‑item price for mattresses, before any state‑mandated recycling fee (e.g., $10.50 in California, Connecticut, Rhode Island).
Below is everything you need to know about how that price is calculated, when it makes sense to add a mattress to a larger load, how to prepare the item, and what cheaper alternatives exist.
How 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK Prices Mattress Removal
Single‑Item vs. Volume Load
- Single‑item pricing: $70‑$100 per mattress. This is the base rate you’ll see on the on‑site estimate if the crew is only hauling the mattress.
- Volume‑based pricing: The company charges by the fraction of a truck you occupy. A minimum load (1/8‑truck) runs $100‑$150, which can be cheaper per item if you have several pieces.
- Half‑truck (5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft) is $400‑$600; a full‑truck (10 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft, ~18 cu yd) is $600‑$1,000.
If you only need a mattress removed, the single‑item price is the most transparent. If you have other junk (couches, appliances, boxes), grouping them into a volume load often reduces the per‑item cost.
What’s Included in the Price
- All labor – crew members load the mattress from wherever it sits on your property (no curb‑side requirement).
- Hauling and disposal – transport to an authorized landfill or recycling center.
- Recycling fees – any state‑mandated fees (e.g., $10.50 for mattress recycling in CA, CT, RI) are passed through.
- Cleanup – the crew sweeps the area after loading.
- Licensing & insurance – you’re covered if anything goes wrong during the pickup.
No hidden fuel surcharges or “dump fees” appear after the crew arrives.
Real‑World Cost Scenarios
Solo Mattress Pickup
| Item | Base price | State recycling fee (if applicable) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattress (single) | $70‑$100 | $0‑$10.50 (CA/CT/RI) | $70‑$110.50 |
If you live in a state without the Bye‑Bye‑Mattress program, you’ll pay the lower end of the range. In California, expect the top of the range plus $10.50.
Adding a Mattress to a Larger Load – Worked Example
Suppose you have:
- 1 mattress ($90 average)
- 1 sofa ($150 average)
- 30 cu ft of mixed junk (≈ 0.1 truck)
Step 1 – Estimate volume
A half‑truck is 5 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft = 200 cu ft. Your items occupy roughly 0.15 of a half‑truck, well within the minimum 1/8‑truck bracket.
Step 2 – Compare pricing
| Option | Calculation | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single‑item mattress only | $90 + $0 (no fee) | $90 |
| Single‑item sofa only | $150 | $150 |
| Combined volume (1/8‑truck) | $100‑$150 (minimum load) | $100‑$150 |
Result: By bundling the mattress and sofa into a single 1/8‑truck load, you pay $100‑$150 total, which is $40‑$110 cheaper than hiring two separate single‑item pickups.
Bottom line: Whenever you have more than one bulky item, ask the crew for a volume quote; the per‑item cost will almost always drop.
Preparing Your Mattress for Removal
How to Measure and Stage
- Measure the mattress (length × width × height). Most standard mattresses (twin, queen, king) fit comfortably within the 1/8‑truck dimensions (1.25 ft × 5 ft × 8 ft).
- Clear a pathway from the mattress to the loading zone. Remove rugs, breakable items, and ensure doors are wide enough.
- If possible, strip the bedding (sheets, box spring) to reduce weight and volume.
What the Crew Will Do
- Lift and protect the mattress with a blanket or tarp.
- Load it onto the truck using a hand‑truck or dolly; no need for you to carry it.
- Inspect for hazardous materials (e.g., foam with fire retardants) – they handle disposal according to local regulations.
Alternatives to Paying 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK
| Option | Typical Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal bulky‑item pickup | Free to $30 (varies by city) | No private‑company fee; often scheduled monthly | Limited to one item per household; strict size limits; may require you to bring item to curb |
| Retailer haul‑away (e.g., IKEA, Mattress Firm) | Free with purchase or $20‑$40 for old item | Convenient; often coordinated with delivery | Only works when you buy a new item; may not accept damaged mattresses |
| Donation (Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity) | Free (tax‑deductible receipt) | Good for charity; saves landfill space | Must be in decent condition; you must transport to drop‑off |
| DIY dumpster rental (1‑day roll‑off) | $250‑$400 for 10‑cu‑yd (depends on city) | Handles unlimited items; you control timing | Requires you to load and dispose; may exceed local landfill fees |
| LoadUp (online, per‑item) | $89 minimum; mattress $70‑$100 | Guaranteed price online; often 20‑30 % cheaper | Not available in every state; may add a $25‑$30 service fee |
When a Cheaper Alternative Beats 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK
- You have a single, clean mattress and live in a city with free bulky‑item pickup. Call your local waste department first.
- You’re buying a new mattress and the retailer offers free haul‑away.
- Your mattress is still in good condition and you can transport it a short distance; donation saves you money and earns a tax receipt.
- You have many items (furniture, construction debris, yard waste) and a roll‑off dumpster fits the volume better than a truck‑based service.
Get a Free Quote from 1-800-GOT-JUNK? →
Common Mistakes & What People Get Wrong
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Assuming the quoted $70‑$100 includes the recycling fee. | The fee is state‑specific and added at the end of the job. | Ask the crew if your state has a mattress‑recycling mandate before the estimate. |
| Calling “discount codes” found on coupon sites. | Most codes are outdated or never verified by the franchise. | Sign up for the company’s email list for the only reliable $10‑$25 off offers. |
| Scheduling a curb‑side pickup when the crew can load from inside. | Some customers think they must move the mattress to the curb to avoid extra fees. | Remember the price includes loading from anywhere on your property – no extra charge. |
| Booking a separate truck for each item. | Misunderstanding that each item gets its own truck. | Combine items into the smallest possible volume load; the minimum 1/8‑truck is often cheaper than two single‑item jobs. |
| Skipping the on‑site estimate. | Trying to get a quick price online or over the phone. | 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK only provides a free, no‑obligation on‑site estimate; that’s the only accurate figure. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to pay a deposit or give a credit card when I book?
No. The on‑site estimate is free and does not require a credit card. You only pay after the crew completes the job.
2. How far in advance should I schedule a mattress pickup?
Same‑day service is often available, but booking 24‑48 hours ahead gives the crew flexibility and may improve scheduling options.
3. What if my mattress is broken or has a strong odor?
The crew handles all conditions; there is no extra charge for damage or odor. They are trained to dispose of hazardous foam safely.
4. Can I split the cost with a neighbor?
Yes. If you share a truck load, the total charge is divided among the parties. This is a proven way to lower the per‑item price.
5. Are there any hidden fees for stairs or long walks?
No. The quoted price includes loading from anywhere on the property, even up multiple flights of stairs. Any extra work beyond standard loading (e.g., dismantling a built‑in) would be discussed beforehand.
6. What happens to the mattress after it’s hauled away?
In most states the mattress is taken to a recycling facility. In California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island a $10.50 per‑unit recycling fee is applied under the Bye‑Bye‑Mattress program.
Bottom‑Line Takeaway
- A single mattress removal by 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK costs $70‑$100 (plus a possible $10.50 recycling fee in three states).
- If you have other bulky items, request a volume quote; a minimum 1/8‑truck load ($100‑$150) usually beats two separate single‑item pickups.
- Prepare the mattress by clearing a path and removing bedding; the crew does all the heavy lifting.
- Consider free municipal pickup, retailer haul‑away, donation, or a DIY dumpster before paying the private‑company rate—especially if you live in a city with a free bulky‑item program.
- Discounts are limited to email‑list offers and local franchise promotions; coupon sites are largely unreliable.
By understanding the pricing structure and comparing alternatives, you can decide whether 1‑800‑GOT‑JUNK is the right solution for your mattress removal or if a cheaper, community‑based option makes more sense.