Mattress Recycling
The City of Boston requires an appointment for the collection of all mattresses and box springs. Learn how to schedule an appointment for pick-up, what products can be made from recovered materials, and how to recycle your mattress if you live in a big building.
Recycling mattresses is a state requirement as of November 1, 2022. The City of Boston does not collect mattresses or box springs with your curbside trash. You must schedule an appointment for curbside pick-up. The City only picks-up mattresses from residents who live in buildings with six units or fewer. If you live in a building with more than six units, you will need to contact your property manager for proper mattress disposal.
Schedule a Mattress Pickup
Loading ...How to prepare your mattress for pick-up:
- Place your mattress on the curb by 6 a.m. on the day of your appointment, or after 5 p.m. the night before.
- Make sure your mattress is not blocked by vehicles and other waste receptacles. Do not place anything on top of the mattress.
- Do not crush or cut your mattress or box spring for collection.
- Mattresses that are soiled, dirty, or have bed bugs must be bagged. Mattress bags can be found at your local hardware store or ordered online.
- If it is supposed to rain or snow on your scheduled collection day, wait until the morning to place your mattress curbside. Please have mattresses out by 6 a.m, rain or snow. If there is inclement weather, consider bagging up your mattress to ensure it is able to be fully recycled.
Keep In Mind
If you need to cancel your appointment, click the link in your appointment confirmation or reminder emails. For assistance in canceling your appointment please call 311.
The City of Boston will accept memory foam, box springs, innerspring, hybrid, and latex. We will not accept futons, mattress toppers, and other similar non-mattress items. Those items may be placed out for curbside trash collection.
The City of Boston will not collect any mattress without an appointment.
When purchasing a new mattress, ask the company if they will take your old mattress for recycling when they deliver your new one. Many mattress companies do this as part of their service!
Most of your unwanted mattress or box spring is recyclable!
Roughly 75 percent of all mattresses and box springs components can be disassembled and recycled. The recovered materials are used to manufacture a variety of new products!
FOAM PADDING:
- Turned into carpet underlayment or animal padding.
FABRIC/FIBERS:
- Used in industrial oil filters and other textile applications.
STEEL SPRINGS:
- Recycled as metal scrap.
- Used to make new appliances and building materials.
WOODEN FRAMES:
- Shredded to produce landscaping mulch or burned as an alternative fuel source.
Buildings with 7+ Units
Residents who live in buildings with 7+ units will need to speak with their management company on how to recycle their mattress. There are many local mattress haulers that service large residential buildings.
Contact Boston 311
Contact Boston 311Have a question or need additional assistance? 311 can help answer questions about mattress recycling in the City of Boston. Please dial 3-1-1 or call 617-635-4500.
