How do I recycle my mattress or box spring?
Use Mattress/Box Spring Collection tool above to schedule your free curbside collection of a mattress. Generally, collections occur every Thursday, but schedule your collection online to get an exact date for collection.
What if I have a problem with my collection?
Do I need to be home for the pick-up?
No. Your mattress must be placed at the curb in front of your home address by 7AM the morning of the collection. The collection crew will pick up the mattresses or box springs before 4PM. Do not place the item at the curb earlier than 6PM the day before your collection. The crew is prohibited from coming onto private property to pick up mattresses.
What do you do with the components of a mattress?
The springs of a mattress are scrapped to make a new steel item. The foam can be made into carpeting. The fabrics and fibers can be made into new textiles or padding. Wood can be mulched or used as a fuel.
What type of mattresses and box springs are accepted for recycling?
Most mattresses and bed box springs are accepted. A few exceptions are:
- Excessively torn, punctured, soiled or moldy items;
- Twisted or crushed mattresses or broken box springs;
- Mattresses or box springs infested with bed bugs or other pests;
- Futons, mattress pads or toppers; or
- Infant sleeping pads; air or water beds; any other furniture or textiles.
Why is recycling mattresses important?
The four major components of mattresses (foam, steel, textiles, and wood) are highly recyclable and valuable when recycled. When trashed, we lose those raw materials forever. Furthermore, mattresses are unique in that they take up a lot of space in landfills. Capacity for trash in Massachusetts is declining and we must recycle, compost, and reduce/reuse. As of November 1, 2022 mattresses are banned from disposal or transport for disposal in Massachusetts.
Will UTEC pick up other items like couches, futons and appliances?
No. UTEC will only pick-up standard mattresses and box springs. Use the "Get Rid of It Right Tool" to determine how to dispose of these items.