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Mattress Recycling in South Lake Tahoe, CA

South Tahoe Refuse takes mattresses free at 2140 Ruth Avenue from May 1 to October 30, up to 4 a day.

See all 4 options
Close-up of a patterned mattress beside a wooden floor
Illustrative item photographErik Mclean / Pexels (opens in new tab)

Checked October 26, 2026 · Call before you go · How we check

4 ways to get rid of a mattress in South Lake Tahoe

Tap an option to see the address, hours, cost and rules.

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  1. CurbCycle PickupPickup from your home · South Lake TahoeNo haulingWe recycle it for youFrom $95.00
    How it works

    Book online, set out your mattress and we’ll pick it up and recycle it for you. You see your price before you book and pay only after pickup.

    Book a pickup →

  2. South Tahoe Refuse Transfer Station & Household Hazardous Waste FacilityDrop-off · 2140 Ruth Avenue, South Lake TahoeOpen to everyoneConditions applyFree
    Where

    2140 Ruth Avenue
    South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

    Hours

    Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Sundays and holidays); hazardous waste Tue–Sat 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

    Cost & rules

    Mattresses

    Accepted with conditionsFree (documented)
    • Free May 1–October 30 only; up to 4 mattresses/box springs per day; no moldy, wet, bloody or bed-bug infested mattresses.

    Full details & sourcesOfficial site (opens in new tab)

  3. El Dorado Disposal Transfer Station & Materials Recovery Facility (4100 Throwita Way, Placerville)Pickup service · El Dorado CountyOpen to everyoneFree
    How it works

    El Dorado Disposal runs a materials recovery facility and transfer station at 4100 Throwita Way, Placerville, open 7 days 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (530-626-4141). Free: clean mattresses/box springs, e-waste (TVs, computers, monitors, printers), segregated recycling incl. cardboard, scrap metal. Paid: appliances, microwaves, tires. Free HHW Friday–Sunday 9–4 for El Dorado County residents.

    Cost & rules
    Fees
    Mattress/box spring, not recyclable$23.34
    • Free if clean/gently used; non-recyclable mattresses $23.34 each.

    Official page (opens in new tab)

  4. Bye Bye Mattress California (Mattress Recycling Council)Nonprofit service · CaliforniaCalifornia residentsFree
    How it works

    California mattress stewardship program run by the Mattress Recycling Council with CalRecycle oversight. Mattresses and box springs (foundations) used in California can be dropped off at no additional cost at more than 240 participating permanent sites and about 100 events a year; check the Bye Bye Mattress locator and contact the site first.

    Cost & rules
    • Mattresses used in California, any condition or age; a futon mattress that separates from its frame counts. Not covered: crib or bassinet mattresses, sofa beds, air mattresses or water beds without upholstery, stripped mattresses, out-of-state units.
    • Check acceptable items and contact the location before you go.

    Official page (opens in new tab)

Before you go

  1. Count each piece separately: mattress, box spring and topper can be priced differently.
  2. Check for moisture, mold or bed bugs; many recyclers refuse damaged bedding.
  3. Confirm per-piece pricing and whether wrapping or an appointment is required.
More about mattresses

California rules

More California rules (8)
Where this information comes from (22)

Where this information comes from

Checked October 26, 2026

  • South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services: Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services
    • STR runs a household hazardous waste program at the transfer station covering paint and other HHW; residents can drop off up to 15 gallons at no cost. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • South Tahoe Refuse: Residential Service Guide 2026 (PDF) (opens in new tab) · South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services
    • Mattresses and box springs can be dropped off free May 1–October 30 at the STR Transfer Station, up to 4 items per day. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • El Dorado Disposal: El Dorado Transfer Station & Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) – rates (opens in new tab) · El Dorado Disposal
    • Clean/gently used mattresses and box springs are free; non-recyclable ones cost $23.34 each. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • El Dorado Disposal: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · El Dorado Disposal
    • El Dorado County residents may bring up to 15 gallons (5-gallon or smaller containers) or 125 lb per trip. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • DTSC: Universal Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
    • DTSC says universal wastes (batteries, electronic waste, CRTs, lamps, mercury wastes, non-empty aerosol cans and PV modules) must go to a designated handler or recycler and cannot go in household trash or landfills. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • DTSC: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · California Department of Toxic Substances Control
    • It is illegal to dispose of household hazardous waste in the trash, down the drain, or by abandonment; it must go to a household hazardous waste facility. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • DTSC lists antifreeze, batteries, e-waste, household cleaners, paints, pesticides, pool cleaners, solvents, used oil and mercury wastes among common household hazardous wastes. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Many cities and counties run household hazardous waste collection programs; DTSC keeps a map of HHW facilities. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Many HHW facilities keep set days and hours, some cap daily amounts, some only hold events once or twice a year, and many require an appointment. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • CalRecycle: Household Hazardous Waste (opens in new tab) · CalRecycle
    • CalRecycle says it is illegal to dispose of hazardous waste in the garbage, down storm drains or onto the ground. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Bye Bye Mattress: Mattress Disposal in California (opens in new tab) · Mattress Recycling Council
    • Bye Bye Mattress lets you drop off an old mattress at no additional cost at participating locations. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Before going, check acceptable items and contact the location with questions. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Businesses can drop off units at no cost at participating locations, but unit limits may apply and an appointment may be required. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Businesses with at least 100 mattresses can arrange a pickup through the Commercial Volume Program. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • When a new mattress is delivered, California law requires the retailer to offer to take back your old mattress at no additional cost (delivery fees may still apply; the retailer has up to 30 days and may refuse a mattress that poses a health or safety risk). Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Some local governments provide free bulky item pickup; Bye Bye Mattress keeps a directory and notes which recycle with the program. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Bye Bye Mattress: What's Accepted/Unaccepted in California (opens in new tab) · Mattress Recycling Council
    • Mattresses and foundations (box springs) used and discarded by California consumers, individuals or businesses, qualify for no-cost drop-off in any condition and of any age. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • In California a futon mattress that separates from its frame counts as a mattress. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Not covered: bed frames, air mattresses without upholstery, crib and bassinet mattresses, cushions, futon frames, sofa beds, water beds without upholstery, pillows, sleeping bags, stripped mattresses and out-of-state units. Checked October 26, 2026.
    • Out-of-state mattresses and foundations (not from a California consumer or not used in California) are excluded. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Bye Bye Mattress: California Retailer Pick Up FAQ (opens in new tab) · Mattress Recycling Council
    • Retailers may refuse to pick up a contaminated mattress; the recycling fee is not refunded in that case. Checked October 26, 2026.
  • Mattress Recycling Council: California program (opens in new tab) · Mattress Recycling Council
    • California's mattress recycling fee changed to $18.00 on April 1, 2026. Checked October 26, 2026.

“Checked” means we read the official page on that date. Things can change, so call before you go.

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