How do I get rid of a mattress or box spring in New York City, NY?

Free DSNY curbside pickup on your trash day, but only if it is fully sealed in a plastic bag. Unbagged mattresses may not be collected, and the fine is $50 for a first offense.

How do I get rid of a couch, sofa or other furniture in New York City, NY?

Free DSNY curbside pickup. Wood or upholstered furniture goes out on your trash-only day; mostly metal or plastic items go out with recycling. Up to 6 items per collection day.

How do I get rid of a refrigerator, freezer, a/c or other appliance in New York City, NY?

Fridges, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers: free, but you must book a DSNY CFC (Freon) removal appointment through 311 first. Washers, dryers, stoves and dishwashers: free curbside with recycling, no appointment.

How do I get rid of a tv, computer or other electronics in New York City, NY?

It's illegal to put TVs, computers and other covered e-waste out with trash or recycling ($100 civil penalty per violation). Free options: a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off site (Tue–Sat, 9 AM–3 PM), a SAFE Disposal event, ecycleNYC in buildings with 10+ units, or a manufacturer take-back program.

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Getting rid of a mattress, couch, appliance or TV in New York City, NY

Last reviewed 2026-10-21 · All five boroughs (DSNY)

In New York City the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) picks up large items at the curb for free, with no appointment, up to 6 items per collection day. The catch is the rules: mattresses must be sealed in a plastic bag, fridges and air conditioners need a CFC appointment first, and TVs and computers can't go out with the trash at all.

Step 1: Which of these are you?

My building's trash is collected by DSNY (most NYC homes and apartment buildings). DSNY offers free weekly curbside trash collection to NYC residents. If a private carter collects your building's trash, ask your building manager how large items are handled. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21
Any NYC resident (drop-off sites and events). DSNY drop-off sites and SAFE events are for NYC residents only; you may be asked for proof of residency (NYS driver license or utility bill). No businesses or commercial vehicles. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21
I live in a building with 10 or more units. Your building can enroll in ecycleNYC, DSNY's free e-waste collection for residential buildings with 10+ units. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

Quick answer: cheapest legal option by item

Item	Cheapest option
Mattress or box spring	Free DSNY curbside pickup on your trash day, but only if it is fully sealed in a plastic bag. Unbagged mattresses may not be collected, and the fine is $50 for a first offense.
Couch, sofa or other furniture	Free DSNY curbside pickup. Wood or upholstered furniture goes out on your trash-only day; mostly metal or plastic items go out with recycling. Up to 6 items per collection day.
Refrigerator, freezer, A/C or other appliance	Fridges, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers: free, but you must book a DSNY CFC (Freon) removal appointment through 311 first. Washers, dryers, stoves and dishwashers: free curbside with recycling, no appointment.
TV, computer or other electronics	It's illegal to put TVs, computers and other covered e-waste out with trash or recycling ($100 civil penalty per violation). Free options: a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off site (Tue–Sat, 9 AM–3 PM), a SAFE Disposal event, ecycleNYC in buildings with 10+ units, or a manufacturer take-back program.

What you can't dump — and where or when limits apply

Citywide Citywide rule

Item	Rule	When / conditions	Source
TVs, computers, monitors, printers, game consoles and other covered e-waste Banned from trash	May not be put out for DSNY trash or recycling collection. Fine: $100 civil penalty per violation (16 RCNY §1-04.2)	—	[1: Rules of the City of New York][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Car tires Banned from trash	Illegal to put car tires in the trash (bicycle tires are OK). Tire sellers must take back used tires under NYS law.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Car batteries, motor oil, transmission fluid, gasoline Banned from trash	Illegal (batteries, oil) or never allowed (gasoline) in trash or recycling. Use a retailer take-back, a Special Waste Drop-Off site or a SAFE event.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Professional construction & demolition waste Not accepted	Waste from contractors can't be discarded as residential garbage; the contractor or resident must arrange a private dumpster.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Asbestos Not accepted	Never with trash or recycling; use a hazardous-material disposal company.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Illegal dumping Fine	Dumping any material on a street, lot, park or public space is illegal. Fine: Vehicle owner or driver: up to $18,000, and the vehicle may be impounded	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21

DSNY curbside collection Curbside pickup · My building's trash is collected by DSNY (most NYC homes and apartment buildings)

Item	Rule	When / conditions	Source
All large (bulk) items Limit	Up to 6 items per collection day. No pickup appointments.	Set out 6 PM–midnight the night before	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC311] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Mattresses and box springs Prep required	Must be fully sealed in a plastic bag. DSNY's Collection Laws page says clear; NYC311 says any color except red or orange. Fine: $50 / $100 / $200 (first / second / third+) per DSNY Collection Laws and NYC311; DSNY's Furniture page says up to $300	Trash-only day, NOT recycling day	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC311][3: Rules of the City of New York][4: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Refrigerators, freezers, A/Cs, dehumidifiers, water/wine coolers Prep required	Need a CFC (Freon) removal appointment first (311 or online; up to 10 appliances). Remove hinges and locks; set out back facing the street. Only tagged appliances are collected.	Night before the appointment; collected next recycling day	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Appliances with R600a or R32 refrigerant Not accepted	DSNY can't collect them (yellow triangle, black flames sticker). They get a red sticker and are left; contact the manufacturer or a private carter.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
CFC removal for businesses Who can use it	Residents only. Businesses must hire a private carter; a business appointment may get a Notice of Violation.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
DIY construction debris (cabinets, drywall, sinks, toilets, tubs) Limit	Free curbside for small do-it-yourself projects, under the same 6-items-per-day bulk limit. Remove exposed nails; tape large glass; double-bag broken glass. Large renovations need a private dumpster.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Items with rechargeable batteries (exercise equipment, power tools, handheld vacuums) Prep required	Remove batteries before setting the item out.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Rugs and carpets; bed frames in pieces Prep required	Roll and tie rugs with twine. Bundle bed-frame pieces no larger than 2 × 4 feet. Bed frames with bed bugs need a sign saying so.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC311] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21

DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off sites Drop-off site · Any NYC resident (drop-off sites and events)

Item	Rule	When / conditions	Source
Accepted items only Not accepted	Harmful household products, e-waste, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, tires and a few others. Mattresses, furniture and large appliances aren't on DSNY's accepted list.	Tue–Sat 9 AM–3 PM; closed legal holidays and severe weather	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Tires, paint, motor oil, oil filters, mercury devices Limit	Per visit: up to 4 passenger car tires, 5 gallons of paint, 10 quarts of motor oil/transmission fluid, 2 oil filters, 2 mercury-containing devices.	Per visit	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Who can use it Who can use it	NYC residents only (proof of residency may be requested). No businesses or commercial vehicles.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21

DSNY District Garages Drop-off site · Any NYC resident (drop-off sites and events)

Item	Rule	When / conditions	Source
Car tires Limit	Up to 4 car tires. Bring a valid NYS driver's license and NYS vehicle registration, both with NYC addresses. No commercial vehicles.	Mon–Sat 10:00 AM–5:30 PM, except holidays	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21

DSNY SAFE Disposal events Collection event · Any NYC resident (drop-off sites and events)

Item	Rule	When / conditions	Source
Plug-in appliances and anything with CFCs Not accepted	Events don't accept plug-in appliances (microwaves, vacuums, box fans) or appliances containing CFCs.	Event days only, 10 AM–4 PM	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Who can use it Who can use it	NYC residents only; no businesses or commercial vehicles.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21

ecycleNYC Program · I live in a building with 10 or more units

Item	Rule	When / conditions	Source
Household appliances, batteries, light bulbs Not accepted	Only NYS-covered e-waste is collected.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21
Who can use it Who can use it	Residential buildings with 10 or more units that enroll.	—	[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21 checked 2026-10-21

Mattress or box spring

Who	Method	Cost	Rules
My building's trash is collected by DSNY (most NYC homes and apartment buildings)	Curbside with trash (DSNY)	Free DSNY: "NYC residents can get free curbside removal of these items." You supply the bag; the City does not provide mattress bags or covers.	Set out on your trash-only day, NOT your recycling day. Seal it in a plastic bag first (to prevent the spread of bed bugs). DSNY's Collection Laws page says a clear plastic bag; NYC311 says any color except red or orange. Put it at the curb between 6 PM and midnight the evening before collection. Up to 6 bulk items per collection day. No appointment: DSNY says pick-up appointments are no longer offered. Bags are sold at department stores, home improvement stores and moving supply centers (per NYC311). [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC311][3: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][4: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][5: Rules of the City of New York] verified 2026-10-21

Not verified / gaps:

Fine amount: DSNY's Collection Laws page and NYC311 list $50 / $100 / $200 (first / second / third and later offenses); DSNY's Furniture page says "up to $300".
Bag color: DSNY says clear; NYC311 says any color except red or orange. Clear meets both.

Couch, sofa or other furniture

Who	Method	Cost	Rules
My building's trash is collected by DSNY (most NYC homes and apartment buildings)	Curbside bulk pickup (DSNY)	Free DSNY: "NYC residents can get free curbside removal of large items."	Mostly metal or plastic items: set out with recycling. Everything else (including wood and particle board): trash-only day, NOT recycling day. Take it apart if possible; bundle smaller pieces and tape or tie them with twine. Up to 6 items at the curb per collection day; spread large amounts over several collection days (per NYC311). Set out after 6 PM the night before, and by midnight. Don't place items in the street, in front of another property, or blocking pedestrians. Glass furniture and mirrors go out with trash; tape large glass to prevent injury. Bed frames with bed bugs must carry a sign saying they have bed bugs (NYC311). [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][3: NYC311][4: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

Refrigerator, freezer, A/C or other appliance

Who	Method	Cost	Rules
My building's trash is collected by DSNY (most NYC homes and apartment buildings)	CFC/Freon removal appointment, then curbside (DSNY)	Free DSNY: "We provide FREE curbside removal of appliances with CFC (also known as Freon)." Residents only.	Applies to appliances that cool or chill: refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, water and wine coolers. Make an appointment by calling 311 or with the online service request. Not anonymous. Up to 10 appliances per appointment. Remove hinges and locks from refrigerators and freezers. Put it at the curb, back facing the street, after 6 PM the night before your appointment. DSNY removes the CFC and tags the appliance with a six-digit number; it is picked up on your next recycling day. Only tagged appliances are collected. Businesses can't use this service and must hire a private carter; a business booking an appointment may get a Notice of Violation. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21
My building's trash is collected by DSNY (most NYC homes and apartment buildings)	Newer appliances with R600a or R32 refrigerant	Not collected by DSNY Look for a warning sticker (yellow triangle with black flames). DSNY tags these with a red sticker and leaves them.	Contact the manufacturer or a private carter for disposal options. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21
My building's trash is collected by DSNY (most NYC homes and apartment buildings)	Washers, dryers, ovens/ranges, dishwashers, water heaters: curbside (DSNY)	Free Follows DSNY's large-item rules; no appointment.	Mostly metal or plastic: set out with recycling. Non-recyclable: trash-only day. Up to 6 large items at the curb per collection day. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

Not verified / gaps:

How far out CFC appointments are being booked: not stated on DSNY's page.

TV, computer or other electronics

Who	Method	Cost	Rules
Any NYC resident (drop-off sites and events)	DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off site (one in each borough)	No fee listed DSNY lists e-waste (including cords and cables) among accepted items.	Open Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed legal holidays and during severe weather. NYC residents only; you may be asked for proof of residency. No businesses or commercial vehicles. Do-it-yourself drop-off; DSNY staff can help. Some sites aren't visible from the road. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21
Any NYC resident (drop-off sites and events)	DSNY SAFE Disposal event	No fee listed Events accept e-waste including TVs and computers. They don't accept plug-in appliances (microwaves, vacuums, box fans) or appliances with CFCs.	Held every year in all five boroughs, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, rain or shine. Next listed event: Saturday, October 24, 2026, Orchard Beach parking lot, Bronx. NYC residents only; proof of residency may be requested. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21
I live in a building with 10 or more units	ecycleNYC (building enrollment)	Free DSNY: a "convenient and free electronic waste collection and recycling service for residential buildings with 10 or more units," run with Electronic Recyclers International (ERI).	The building (usually the manager) enrolls; residents' electronics are stored in a secure area, or in a provided bin for buildings with 100+ units. Pickup is requested when the bin is full or 20 items are collected. Household appliances, batteries and light bulbs are NOT accepted. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21
Any NYC resident (drop-off sites and events)	Manufacturer take-back or retail/non-profit drop-off	Free (manufacturer programs required by NYS law) DSNY: the NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act "requires manufacturers of certain items to provide free and convenient recycling of electronic waste to consumers in New York State."	Call ahead to make sure a site is open and takes your type or brand of equipment. Problems with a manufacturer or store: report to NYSDEC online or at (518) 402-8706. [1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

Not verified / gaps:

Retail store TV take-back: check with the store for current terms and fees.

Drop-off sites

DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off, Bronx (Hunts Point)

Farragut Street and the East River, next to the Fulton Fish Market; enter on Farragut Street, off Food Center Drive

Hours: Tue–Sat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed legal holidays and during severe weather.
Who can use it: NYC residents only (proof of residency may be requested). Takes e-waste and harmful household products. Not mattresses or furniture.
Payment: No fee listed.
Vehicles: No businesses or commercial vehicles.

[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off, Brooklyn (Greenpoint)

459 North Henry Street (near 530 Kingsland Avenue); entrance off Kingsland Avenue, north of Greenpoint Avenue

Hours: Tue–Sat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed legal holidays and during severe weather.
Who can use it: NYC residents only (proof of residency may be requested). Takes e-waste and harmful household products. Not mattresses or furniture.
Payment: No fee listed.
Vehicles: No businesses or commercial vehicles.

[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off, Manhattan (Lower East Side/Two Bridges)

74 Pike Slip, between Cherry Street and South Street, under the Manhattan Bridge

Hours: Tue–Sat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed legal holidays and during severe weather.
Who can use it: NYC residents only (proof of residency may be requested). Takes e-waste and harmful household products. Not mattresses or furniture.
Payment: No fee listed.
Vehicles: No businesses or commercial vehicles.

[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off, Queens (College Point)

30th Avenue, between 120th and 122nd Streets (northwest corner of DSNY's Queens District 7 garage)

Hours: Tue–Sat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed legal holidays and during severe weather.
Who can use it: NYC residents only (proof of residency may be requested). Takes e-waste and harmful household products. Not mattresses or furniture.
Payment: No fee listed.
Vehicles: No businesses or commercial vehicles.

[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off, Staten Island (Fresh Kills)

Off the Muldoon Avenue exit of the southbound West Shore Expressway, past the DSNY security booth

Hours: Tue–Sat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; closed legal holidays and during severe weather.
Who can use it: NYC residents only (proof of residency may be requested). Takes e-waste and harmful household products. Not mattresses or furniture.
Payment: No fee listed.
Vehicles: No businesses or commercial vehicles.

[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

Moving out or clearing a lot?

Clearing out a whole apartment

Free DSNY curbside, but capped at 6 bulk items per collection day

NYC311 suggests spreading a large number of items over several collection days.
Set out after 6 PM the night before, by midnight, and keep the sidewalk passable.

[1: NYC311][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][3: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

Don't dump it

Up to $18,000 fine for illegal dumping from a vehicle

DSNY says the owner or driver of a vehicle used for illegal dumping may be fined up to $18,000, and the vehicle may be impounded.
DSNY doesn't remove unwanted items from private property.

[1: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)] verified 2026-10-21

State mattress recycling program

Mattresses: the industry-run Bye Bye Mattress program operates only in California, Connecticut, Oregon and Rhode Island, so it isn't available in New York. Electronics: New York State's Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act requires manufacturers of covered electronics to provide free and convenient recycling, and City rules set a $100 civil penalty for putting covered e-waste out for DSNY collection. [1: Mattress Recycling Council (operator of Bye Bye Mattress)][2: NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY)][3: Rules of the City of New York] verified 2026-10-21

Not verified

Large items in buildings served by a private carter (not DSNY): ask your building manager.
We found no City drop-off for mattresses or furniture; DSNY's drop-off sites take e-waste and household hazardous products.
Holidays: NYC311 lists 2026 Sanitation holidays only; check 2027 dates before setting items out.

Sources (read 2026-10-21)

NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Large Items · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Furniture, Mattresses, and Rugs · read 2026-10-21
NYC311 — Mattress or Box Spring Disposal · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Collection Laws for Residents · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Trash · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Appliances · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — CFC Removal · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Electronics and E-Waste · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — E-Waste Drop-Off Sites · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — ecycleNYC · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Special Waste Drop-Off · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — SAFE Disposal Events · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Illegal Dumping · read 2026-10-21
Rules of the City of New York, via American Legal Publishing — 16 RCNY §1-04.1 (Collection of Bedding) and §1-04.2 (Disposal of Electronic Waste) · read 2026-10-21
Mattress Recycling Council (operator of Bye Bye Mattress) — Who We Are · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Construction Debris · read 2026-10-21
NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) — Automotive Waste · read 2026-10-21