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As of July 1, 2026, bulky item collections no longer need to be scheduled in advance! Please read the new information carefully.

Bulky Item Collection - Process Changes

What is a Bulky Item?

Bulky Item

A bulky is an item that is too large to fit in your garbage cart or any item that isn't allowed to be placed in your cart. This includes:

  • Furniture (Examples: Couches, tables, and chairs)
  • Appliances (Examples: Ovens, washing machines, and refrigerator)
  • Electronics (Examples: Computers, televisions, and printers)
  • Mattresses and Box Springs (see below for special scheduling)

Construction debris and tires are not accepted as bulky items, nor can they be placed in your garbage cart. To find disposal options for these materials, visit Ramsey County Building Materials Reuse. 

More examples of accepted items can be found below: Bulky Items - Detailed Examples

Bulky Item Collection Process - Big Changes!

You asked- We listened! 

**As of July 1, 2026, bulky item collections no longer need to be scheduled in advance! To have your item(s) collected, simply place them out at your regular collection location by 6:00 a.m. A truck will return within two business days to pick up the item(s).

Bulky item collection service is available for Saint Paul residents in 1-4-unit homes, or properties which have opted into city garbage service.

How to prepare your items for collection:
  • Set item(s) next to, but not leaning against, your garbage cart
  • Label item(s) with the word “bulky”
  • All items must be emptied of food, liquids, gas, and batteries
The NEW Collection Process:
  • The driver will place a bulky pick-up sticker on your item(s). A separate truck will then return to collect it within two business days.
  • When able, items may be collected immediately by your regular driver.
NEW Annual Limit:
  • Residents in 1-4-unit homes, or properties which have opted into city garbage service, can have 12 picked up per year per garbage cart included in their garbage service, no monthly limit!

    • This begins retroactively as of January 1, 2026, so any bulky items collected before July 1, 2026 will count toward your 2026 total. 

Special Cases:
  • Mattress, Box Spring, and Metal Bed Frames must be scheduled through Second Chance Recycling. Collection is FREE and does not count toward your annual bulky item total. Visit stpaul.gov/mattressrecycling 
  • If you have every-other-week collection, you must place your item(s) out on your regular pick-up day, not on your off-week. 
  • If you need an item picked up from somewhere other than the usual collection location, this must be scheduled in advance. Item must still be placed at the edge of the curb or alley on your property. For example, if you have alley collection and would like to set the item at the curb in front of your house. 

How Many Items Can I Have Collected?

**NEW** All residential properties in the city's coordinated collection program are allowed 12 bulky item pickups per garbage cart, per calendar year. These pickups are included in the cost of your regular collection. 

Additional Bulky Items: If you need to dispose of additional items during the same year (more than 12 per year per garbage cart), you can pay $30 per bulky item (plus tax) to have them collected. 

Apartments (5+ units): The City does not coordinate garbage collection for property buildings with five or more units, so they cannot schedule pickup through the City. Curbside pickup may be available through your private hauler. Contact your landlord for assistance disposing of your item(s).

Unlimited Free Mattress Recycling

You can get an unlimited number of mattresses collected each year by Second Chance Recycling. This is available for all residential properties, including apartments. Mattresses scheduled through Second Chance will not count toward your Bulky Item total for the year. Click the button below for details.

Mattress Recycling Program

Frequently Asked Questions

*Items that are set within 10 feet of your garbage cart are subject to collection. If collected, this will count toward your annual limit. If the amount of items collected exceeds your annual allotment, you will incur a fee on your next garbage bill for $30 (+ tax) per additional item. 

Bulky Item Examples

A bulky item is defined as 1 cubic yard worth of material (3ft x 3ft x 3ft).

Oversized items may be charged as more than one. For example, a large sectional couch with multiple pieces may count as two or three Bulkies. 

All items must be emptied of food and liquids: water heaters must be drained of water; all food must be removed from refrigerators; oil and gas must be drained from small engines.

Used gas, oil, and batteries should be disposed of at the Environmental Center located at 1700 Kent St in Roseville.