Dealing with Old Mattresses in New York City: The Right Way
New York City residents often find themselves in the position of needing to dispose of an old mattress. While it might seem convenient to simply leave a mattress on the curb, it's important to follow the proper procedures to avoid fines and ensure that the mattress is disposed of safely and responsibly.
Special Regulations for Mattresses in NYC
Mattresses are considered bulk items in New York City, and therefore require special handling. You cannot simply leave a mattress on the curb for trash collection. Instead, you must adhere to specific guidelines outlined by the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY).
Bulk Item Collection
To properly dispose of a mattress in New York City, you should schedule a bulk item pickup through the DSNY. This can be done either online or by calling 311. It's crucial to follow these instructions to avoid any legal consequences.
Preparation for Pickup
Before placing your mattress outside, ensure that it is properly prepared for pickup. You should wrap the mattress in plastic to protect it from getting wet and to keep it clean. Using a plastic wrap is required by the DSNY to prevent environmental contamination.
Timing for Placement
When planning to place your mattress for pickup, remember to do so after 4 PM the day before your scheduled bulk item collection. This timing ensures that the Department of Sanitation has enough time to pick it up before trash collection occurs on your regular schedule.
Penalties for Improper Disposal
Leaving a mattress on the curb without following the proper procedures can result in fines. It's important to always check the latest guidelines on the DSNY website for any updates or changes to the rules. If you are unsure, you can call the 311 call center for detailed information on pickup schedules for your specific street.
Dealing with Mattresses in Other Towns
Across different towns, the approach to mattress disposal may vary. In some areas, there are designated bulk pickup days where mattresses can be placed on the curb, but typically for a specific time frame. Other options include paying a disposal fee to the company that delivers your new mattress or calling your waste disposal company for specific instructions. For example, at the end of my street, we put the mattress out after 6 PM the day before the pickup, after making arrangements for its removal.
Problems and Solutions
Sometimes, the local town authorities might impose fines if you leave a mattress outside for too long without plans. In some cases, you can advertise the mattress on social media to see if someone needs it, such as Facebook pages that focus on free local pickup and spending nothing. However, this carries the risk of attracting unwanted attention and possible fines.
Health and Safety Concerns
Due to the ongoing bedbug issue, it's important to enclose the mattress in a special plastic bag before placing it outside. These bags can be found at Home Depot and hardware stores, and their use is not only recommended but often required by local regulations.
Another solution is to contact the company delivering your new mattress; many will take the old one for a fee or for free. This is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to handle the disposal of an old mattress.
By following these guidelines and best practices, you can ensure that your old mattress is disposed of properly and responsibly, helping to maintain the cleanliness and health of your community.