Massachusetts Expands Waste Disposal Ban to Include Mattresses & Textiles

As of November 1, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has expanded its waste disposal bans to include mattresses and textiles. MassDEP reports that residents and businesses dispose of approximately 230,000 tons of textiles annually, about 85% of which could be donated, reused, or recycled instead. Similarly, approximately 600,000 mattresses and box springs are discarded in Massachusetts each year, even though 75% of a mattress is made of recyclable materials.

To comply with this statewide policy, residents should recycle or donate eligible unwanted mattresses or textiles rather than putting them out with curbside trash. Somerville offers no-cost curbside textile recycling and launched mattress recycling earlier this year in advance of these new regulations.

To recycle textiles, including clothing, shoes, bedding, pillows, and more, schedule pickup through the City's vendor, Simple Recycling, at simplerecycling.com or 866-835-5068. 

To recycle a mattress or box spring, contact 311 (617-666-3311) and schedule a pickup. The mattress/box spring will be picked up curbside one day after your regular trash day. For residents with Friday trash pickup, mattresses will also be picked up on Friday. Read through the guidelines here.