Every route, honestly
| Route | Cost | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| 311 bulky pickup | Free | Black-cart buildings only (≤4 units); you carry it to the alley; seal-and-label guidance if infested; ward timing — the rules |
| Retailer haul-away | Free–modest at delivery | Only when a delivery crew is coming; bed-in-a-box brands send nobody |
| Donation | Free | Nearly universally declined for used mattresses — not a real plan |
| The alley | "Free" | Nobody scavenges mattresses; it sits, soaks, and becomes a complaint — the legality test |
| Flat pickup | $82–$114 by size | None — bedroom to truck, any floor, any building |
Flat pickup pricing, by size
| Item | Flat price |
|---|---|
| Twin / full / queen / king | $82 / $94 / $103 / $114 |
| Box spring | $92 |
| Mattress + box spring set | $143 |
| Bed frame (disassembly included) | $68 |
$100 minimum. The back-staircase carry, tight landings, and disposal are included — the two-flat's 180-degree turns are our crews' daily cardio.
Which route fits which situation
- Two-flat, no rush: file the 311 request, carry it down on collection timing, keep your money.
- New mattress being delivered: ask about haul-away at purchase — best timing match there is.
- Big building: no city option exists; the freight elevator and our crew are the plan ($82–$114, building logistics handled).
- Bed arrives tomorrow, old one still here: same-day pickup booked by 4 PM usually beats the delivery truck.
- Whole bedroom turning over: set + frame + dresser prices as a small load — truck-fill rates from $241 past a few pieces.
Frequently asked questions
Does Chicago pick up mattresses?
For black-cart buildings (four units or fewer with city garbage service), yes — mattresses and box springs are bulky-collection items, set beside the cart or requested via 311, and ward guidance commonly asks that infested mattresses be sealed in plastic and labeled. Bigger buildings are on private hauling: no city mattress pickup exists for them, and an alley mattress from a big building is fly dumping.
How much does mattress removal cost in Chicago?
Flat by size: twin $82, full $94, queen $103, king $114; box spring $92; mattress-plus-box-spring set $143; bed frame with disassembly $68. Carried down any back staircase from any floor, disposal included. $100 minimum; same-day often available if booked by 4 PM.
Can I donate a used mattress in Chicago?
Realistically, no — nearly all charities decline used mattresses for hygiene reasons, and Illinois regulates secondhand bedding. Unless it's nearly new and a specific organization has confirmed acceptance in advance, donation isn't a plan for a mattress the way it is for a dresser.
Why shouldn't I put a mattress in the alley?
Because nobody scavenges a used mattress — it's the alley's least-adopted item. It sits, absorbs a rainstorm, doubles in weight, and becomes a code complaint with your building's name on it. Even where alley set-outs are legitimate, a 311 request first keeps yours on the right side of the line; where they aren't, the flat $82–$114 pickup is the whole answer.