Junk disposal in San Diego, CA: mattresses, couches, furniture, appliances, TVs & electronics, paint & hazardous waste

Here's how to legally get rid of bulky junk in San Diego, 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: Take it to the Miramar Landfill Mattress Collection Site (5161 Convoy St., Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3 p.m.). It's free, with no drop-off limit. The City says it does not provide bulky item or curbside pickup, so if you can't haul it yourself, you'll need a paid service.

Mattress options at a glance

• Miramar Landfill Mattress Collection Site (Bye Bye Mattress)

  Cost: Free; no drop-off limit (landfill fees may apply if mixed with other waste) · Type: Drop-off / recycling

  East side of the entrance at 5161 Convoy St., San Diego, CA 92111, next to the Household Hazardous Waste Transfer Facility. Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; closed weekends and major holidays. Not accepted: wet, severely damaged, twisted, frozen, soiled, or bedbug-infested mattresses, or mattresses in a cardboard box or plastic bag. source

• Other Bye Bye Mattress collection sites

  Cost: See site · Type: Drop-off / recycling

  California's statewide mattress recycling program lists other participating collection sites. source

Step by step: free drop-off

1. Make sure the mattress is dry, not soiled or badly damaged, and bed-bug free.
2. Take it out of any plastic bag or box. Bagged or boxed mattresses aren't accepted.
3. Detach futon mattresses from the frame. Futons that don't detach aren't accepted.
4. Drive to the east side of the Miramar Landfill entrance on a weekday, 7-3.
5. Bring only mattresses and box springs. Mixed loads may be charged landfill fees.

Not accepted for recycling

Mattress pads/toppers, crib mattresses, air mattresses, waterbeds, sofa beds, sleeping bags and loose bedding. Mattresses that are too soiled to recycle must go in the trash (see the City page).

Can't haul it?

The City doesn't do curbside bulky pickup, and Bye Bye Mattress doesn't pick up from individuals. A paid junk-removal service is the option (see the box above).

Sources: City of San Diego: Recycling Mattresses and Box Springs; Bye Bye Mattress facility finder. Checked 2026-10-12. Rules change, so confirm on the City page before you go.

Couches and furniture

The City says it does not provide bulky item or curbside pickup. We couldn't verify an official City drop-off option for furniture. Call the Environmental Services Department at 858-694-7000 for disposal resources, or use a paid junk-removal service. (San Diego mattress page; San Diego HHW)

Appliances (fridges, freezers, AC: freon)

The City's HHW Transfer Facility lists appliances as not accepted. We could not verify an official City option for refrigerators or ACs. Call 858-694-7000 for help finding a disposal resource. (San Diego HHW)

TVs, computers and electronics (e-waste)

The City's HHW Transfer Facility does not accept electronic waste. The City's HHW page links to a recycling-location finder for e-waste such as phones, computers, monitors and printers. (San Diego HHW: E-Waste)

Paint and household hazardous waste

City residents can drop off HHW free, by appointment only, at the HHW Transfer Facility, Miramar Landfill entrance, 5161 Convoy St.: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (closures listed on the City page). Bring proof of City residency. Accepted: paints, cleaners, motor oil, batteries, pesticides, mercury devices and similar. Not accepted: electronics, appliances, containers over 5 gallons, explosives, treated wood, business waste. Leftover paint can also go to a PaintCare drop-off site at no charge (most take up to 5 gallons). (San Diego 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