Junk disposal in Austin, TX: mattresses, couches, furniture, appliances, TVs & electronics, paint & hazardous waste

Here's how to legally get rid of bulky junk in Austin, item by item. Every option links to the official city or county page we checked. Where we couldn't verify something, we say so. Check the linked page or call your city's service line.

Quick answer by item

Mattresses and box springs

Mattress short answer: We could not confirm from official City pages that Austin's bulk collection takes mattresses. Austin Resource Recovery runs on-demand bulk collection by appointment (up to 3 per year), and its scheduler shows which items it accepts. Check there or call 3-1-1 (512-974-2000) before booking. The City's Recycle and Reuse Center does not accept mattresses.

Mattress options at a glance

• Austin Resource Recovery on-demand bulk collection

  Cost: See official page · Type: City pickup (appointment)

  For ARR residential customers (single-family homes up to fourplexes); up to three bulk collections per calendar year; schedule via the Austin Recycles app, online, or Austin 3-1-1 (512-974-2000). Appointments are required. Mattresses are NOT explicitly listed among accepted bulk items on the official page (which says the list is not complete), so confirm in the scheduler or the 'What Do I Do With' tool before booking. source

• Recycle and Reuse Center: does NOT accept mattresses

  Cost: - · Type: Not an option

  The City's Recycle and Reuse Center lists mattresses and furniture among items it does not accept. source

Step by step (if the scheduler accepts your mattress)

1. Schedule through the Austin Recycles app, the City's online scheduler, or Austin 3-1-1. Items are not picked up without an appointment.
2. Set items at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your appointment date.
3. Keep them 5 feet from carts, mailbox, fences, meters, hydrants and parked cars. Items in alleys, in front of vacant lots, or in front of businesses won't be collected.
4. Don't bag or box items. Bags are treated as extra trash and may incur fees.

Apartments (5+ units)

On-demand bulk is for ARR residential customers (single-family up to fourplexes). Larger complexes use their own hauler, so ask your property manager.

Need it gone / not accepted?

A paid junk-removal service is the fallback (see the box above).

Sources: ARR On-demand Bulk Collection; ARR Recycle and Reuse Center. Checked 2026-10-12. Rules change, so confirm with Austin 3-1-1.

Couches and furniture

Furniture is an accepted item in Austin Resource Recovery's on-demand bulk collection for ARR residential customers (single-family up to fourplexes; up to three per year). Schedule through the Austin Recycles app, online, or Austin 3-1-1 (512-974-2000), and set items at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on the appointment date. The Recycle and Reuse Center does not accept furniture. (ARR On-demand Bulk; Recycle and Reuse Center)

Appliances (fridges, freezers, AC: freon)

Appliances (remove doors) are accepted in on-demand bulk collection; set metal items in a separate pile. The Recycle and Reuse Center also lists air conditioners, stoves, washers, dryers and water heaters among accepted electronics/appliances. (ARR On-demand Bulk; Recycle and Reuse Center)

TVs, computers and electronics (e-waste)

The Recycle and Reuse Center accepts televisions, computers, printers, cell phones, microwaves and more. Check its page for hours and whether you need an appointment for your item. (Recycle and Reuse Center)

Paint and household hazardous waste

ARR curbside customers can schedule on-demand household hazardous waste collection (paint and thinners, cleaners, pesticides, pool chemicals, auto fluids, batteries, small propane cylinders). Don't set HHW at the curb. Leave it somewhere accessible to staff, out of rain and sun; containers up to 5 gallons and 30 gallons total per collection. You can also drop off HHW at the Recycle and Reuse Center by appointment. (ARR On-demand HHW)

Rules, hours and fees change. Confirm on the linked official page before you set anything out or drive anywhere.

Last verified: 2026-10-12