How to get rid of a mattress in Boston, MA

Boston will not take mattresses with regular trash. Recycling them is a state requirement. Schedule a mattress pickup online, by 311 or at 617-635-4500, and put it at the curb by 6 a.m. on your appointment day (or after 5 p.m. the night before).

Last checked against the official City of Boston Public Works Department website. See sources.

Cost
No fee listed
How
Appointment required (online, 311, 617-635-4500)
Who
Buildings with 6 units or fewer

Option 1: City pickup (Mattress pickup appointment)

Who can use it

  • Buildings with six units or fewer. Larger buildings should ask their property manager.

How to book

  1. Schedule online, call 311, or call 617-635-4500.
  2. Cancel before 12 p.m. the day before.

Mattress rules

  • All mattresses and box springs need an appointment. They will not be collected with curbside trash.
  • Soiled, dirty or bed-bug mattresses must be bagged and fully sealed.
  • Do not crush or cut the mattress or box spring, and don't place anything on top of it.
  • Only buildings with six units or fewer are eligible.

Setting it out

  • Put it curbside where your trash goes, by 6 a.m. on your appointment day or after 5 p.m. the night before.
  • Do not crush or cut it, and do not put anything on top of it.

Fees and limits

  • The City's page does not list a fee.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

We did not find an official public drop-off site for this item. Ask a private hauler, or check the city's page listed under Sources.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStores do not accept mattresses or box springs (national guidance).

Donation rules are set by each charity and can change. Call before you load up.

What we could not confirm

  • Boston's page sets a yearly per-household mattress limit, but we did not confirm the exact number, so we left it out.

Common questions

Can I put a mattress out with trash in Boston?
No. You must schedule a mattress pickup.
Do I need to bag it?
Only if it is soiled, dirty or has bed bugs. Then it must be bagged and fully sealed.

Sources

Last checked Oct 21, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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