Getting rid of bulky items in Boston, MA
Last checked: 2026-10-24
Short answer: Boston Public Works collects furniture with curbside trash, but mattresses and Freon/CRT appliances and electronics require a scheduled appointment. City pickup applies to buildings with six units or fewer.
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Rules change. Confirm with the city before setting anything out.
Curbside pickup rules
- Furniture and bikes: donate or put out with curbside trash (per the City's Special Collection Items page).
- Mattresses and box springs are NOT collected with regular trash; an appointment is required.
- Fridges, freezers, water coolers, ice makers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers (Freon) and TVs, laptops, monitors (CRTs) require a special collection appointment; Massachusetts law bans these from the trash.
- Water heaters, plumbing fixtures, dishwashers, large exercise equipment: donate or hire a private hauler.
- Set out at your normal trash spot by 6 a.m. on appointment day, or after 5 p.m. the night before. Remove fridge/freezer doors and all food; do not smash items.
How to book
- Boston 311: dial 311 or 617-635-4500, email 311@boston.gov, or use the City's online schedulers linked below.
- Cancel before 12 p.m. the day before via the link in your confirmation email, or call 311.
Item limits
- Special collection items: max 10 per calendar year, max 5 per appointment.
- Mattresses: max 10 per calendar year.
- Eligibility: buildings with six units or fewer. Larger buildings must use a private hauler / property manager.
Fees
- The City pages reviewed do not list a fee for these appointments. Confirm with Boston 311.
Mattress recycling / state bans
- Massachusetts (MassDEP) requires mattress recycling as of November 1, 2022; mattresses may not go in the trash.
- Accepted: memory foam, box springs, innerspring, hybrid, latex. Not accepted as mattresses: futons, toppers (those go in curbside trash).
- Soiled or bed-bug mattresses must be fully bagged and sealed. Do not cut or crush.
Drop-off sites
- The City does not list a municipal bulky drop-off in the pages reviewed. It publishes a list of private mattress recyclers (some with drop-off, e.g. Green Mattress in Brockton) on its Large Residential Buildings page. Confirm current options with the City.
FAQ
How do I book bulky item pickup in Boston?
Boston 311: dial 311 or 617-635-4500, email 311@boston.gov, or use the City's online schedulers linked below. Cancel before 12 p.m. the day before via the link in your confirmation email, or call 311.
Is bulky item pickup free in Boston?
The City pages reviewed do not list a fee for these appointments. Confirm with Boston 311.
Who is eligible for city bulky pickup in Boston?
Eligibility: buildings with six units or fewer. Larger buildings must use a private hauler / property manager.
Paid option: junk removal
Not eligible for city pickup (for example, a larger apartment building) or need it gone sooner? A private junk removal service can haul items from inside your home for a fee. [Partner link not yet active]
Disclosure: Free official options are always listed first. If a paid-removal link appears, it may be an affiliate link and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. It never changes what we recommend.