Mattress removal in Cambridge, MA
The UTEC booking
Book on UTEC's site; the crew picks up from the curb and can't come onto private property, and you don't need to be home. The fee is $45 per mattress and per box spring, with a $5 discount for financial hardship (UTEC 978-856-3997). Put items at the curb by 7 a.m. on pickup day, not earlier than 6 p.m. the night before; crews pick up before 3 p.m.
Not accepted: torn, soiled, moldy or infested items, futons, toppers, pads, and air or water beds. Cambridge has no mattress drop-off.
Large buildings and triple-deckers
In buildings of more than 12 units, ask the property manager first, because the building may have its own process. In a triple-decker, the common hurdle is the back stair and the sidewalk: if the box spring is stuck on a landing, it can't be at the curb in time. Measure first.
Also, a mattress outside overnight in rain or fog gets wet and heavy. Stay with the 6 p.m. rule.
When a private pickup beats UTEC
UTEC slots fill fast, and a September 1 move won't wait. Massachusetts has banned mattresses from disposal since Nov 1, 2022, so they can't go in the trash. A twin mattress is $89, full $99, queen $109 and king $129; box springs are $59 to $99. All include the state recycling fee. A queen mattress and box spring is $188, above the $159 minimum.
Sofa beds, futons and soiled mattresses that UTEC refuses can be taken privately; say what condition the mattress is in when you text.
UTEC booking, step by step
- Book on UTEC's site
Choose the date; slots fill quickly.
- Check the item
No tears, stains, mold or infestation; no futons or toppers.
- Put it out after 6 p.m.
Or by 7 a.m. on pickup day; crews work before 3 p.m.
- Pay $45 each
Mattress and box spring are charged separately.
- Need it sooner?
Text us for a private pickup.
Local resources in Cambridge
Donation, reuse and recycling options near the pickup. We are not affiliated with these; confirm hours and what they accept before you go.
- Mattress recycling
UTEC mattress recycling (Cambridge program)
Accepts: Mattresses and box springs, $45 each; check the program page for collection rules
City-contracted nonprofit; UTEC 978-856-3997; slots fill fast.
Booked online; curbside pickup - Habitat ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Greater Boston)
Staff help unload; pickup is scheduled through ReSupply for a fee, and you get a tax receipt. About 7 miles from Cambridge (straight line), in West Roxbury.
1580 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Quick answers
How much does mattress pickup cost in Cambridge?
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$45 per mattress and per box spring through UTEC, with a $5 hardship discount.
Can I put a mattress in the trash?
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No. Massachusetts banned it from disposal on Nov 1, 2022.
Does Cambridge have a mattress drop-off?
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No.
Sources
Rules, fees and hours change, so confirm with Cambridge before you go.
- Cambridge DPW: Mattress recycling: “There is a $45 fee for each mattress and box spring.” · accessed October 31, 2026
- Cambridge DPW: Mattress recycling (curb timing): “by 7AM the morning of the collection” · accessed October 31, 2026
- Cambridge DPW: Mattress recycling (refused items): “Excessively torn, punctured, soiled or moldy items” · accessed October 31, 2026
- MassDEP: Mattress recycling: “Effective November 1, 2022: Mattresses are banned from disposal or transport for disposal in Massachusetts.” · accessed October 31, 2026