Calgary bulk item pickup and large-item disposal

A sofa or mattress left beside a residential cart is not part of regular cart collection. Arrange a reuse or collection option, or transport it to an accepted drop-off.

Checked against City of Calgary sources on September 10, 2026

Choose by condition and transport

1. Still usable? Ask a charity, reuse service or interested recipient before moving it. Acceptance depends on condition and capacity; a usable mattress is not automatically accepted by every charity.
2. Buying a replacement? Ask the retailer about old-item removal, charges and preparation before booking delivery.
3. Need someone to collect it? Compare private hauling or specialist recycling services. Confirm the total price, stairs or access charges and whether the item will be recycled.
4. Can transport it yourself? Check the three City Eco Centres for hours and fees. Secure the load and separate materials before arrival.

Mattresses and box springs

Unusable mattresses can go to a City Eco Centre for a charge. The City also lists a mattress recycling option on its mattress disposal page; confirm that provider’s current price and collection availability directly.

Sofas, tables and other furniture

Donate or give away reusable furniture with the recipient’s agreement. Small broken pieces may go in the black cart if they fit, the lid closes and the cart remains within its weight limit. Large furniture needs an Eco Centre or another arranged service. Do not leave items in an alley or beside communal recycling bins.

Fridges, freezers and air conditioners

Refrigerant appliances require an accepted appliance recycler or a City Eco Centre. The City adds a $17 refrigerant charge per appliance to the applicable disposal charge, even if refrigerant was previously removed. Confirm retailer take-back or private recycling conditions before hiring transport.

Estimate your drop-off cost

The City lists $25 for chargeable residential Eco Centre loads under 250 kg, with weight and material rates for heavier loads. Bringing free electronics together with chargeable furniture makes the entire load chargeable. Check current residential rates and Eco Centre acceptance conditions.

Small electrical appliances may qualify for electronics recycling instead of paid bulky disposal. Search the exact item before booking a pickup.