Mattress Removal in Salem, MA

The Salem UTEC program

Under state rules, mattresses and box springs can no longer go out as trash and must be recycled. Salem contracts UTEC for curbside recycling; residents pay $40 per unit directly to UTEC. A mattress and its box spring are two units, so a bed set is $80.

To book, open UTEC's schedule page and choose Salem from the drop-down, or call 978-856-3997, or email mattress-recycling@utecinc.org. Pickup dates come from UTEC's schedule. A mattress bag is only needed if the unit is non-conforming or rain is expected on pickup day, and the bags are sold online or at hardware stores. UTEC lists a limit of 8 pieces per pickup and only takes standard mattresses and box springs. Checked November 2026.

Hardship waiver and other options

Residents who cannot pay can ask the city to waive the fee. A financial hardship request goes to the Waste Reduction Coordinator in the Engineering Department; the form is on the Recycling and Trash page and is returned to 98 Washington Street, 2nd Floor. Call 978-619-5672 with questions.

Salem's recycling pages do not name a store or charity drop-off for used mattresses. Most charities decline them, so reuse usually means a clean, recent mattress passed to a neighbor or a buyer. UTEC also takes mattresses at its Lowell facility for $30 a unit, but that means driving to Lowell with a vehicle that fits a queen box spring.

When JunkRun makes more sense

UTEC is cheaper per mattress. JunkRun is the better call when the bed is on a second or third floor of a Salem two- or three-family, when you want a specific day rather than UTEC's slot, or when the mattress is part of a bigger clear-out.

Prices are flat by size: twin $89, full $99, queen $109, king $129. Box springs run $59 to $99. A queen mattress and box spring together are $188. The Massachusetts recycling fee is included and the mattress goes to a recycler, not a landfill. Our $159 minimum applies, so add the frame ($109) or a dresser ($99) to the same visit.

Three ways to move a mattress out of Salem

Route	Cost	How it works
UTEC curbside	$40 per mattress or box spring	Book on utecinc.org (choose Salem) or call 978-856-3997; UTEC sets the date; bag only if non-conforming or wet weather
UTEC drop-off, Lowell	$30 per unit	Bring it to 35 Warren St; call 978-856-3997 first
JunkRun	Twin $89 to king $129, $159 minimum	Crew carries it out from inside; you pick the day; recycling included

Local resources in Salem

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
Accepts: Standard mattresses and box springs. Salem's curbside program is run by UTEC at $40 a unit; UTEC lists 8 pieces per pickup as its limit.
Book on the UTEC site (choose Salem in the drop-down) or call 978-856-3997. About 23 miles from Salem (straight line), in Lowell.
35 Warren St, Lowell, MA 01852
Website for UTEC Mattress Recycling 978-856-3997

Quick answers

Can I put a mattress on the curb in Salem?

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Not with the trash. Massachusetts bans mattresses from disposal. Book UTEC through the city's program, or use a private pickup.

How much does UTEC charge Salem residents?

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$40 per unit, paid directly to UTEC. A mattress and a box spring are each one unit.

Do I need a mattress bag in Salem?

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Only if the mattress is non-conforming (for example torn or soiled) or rain is expected on your pickup day.

Does JunkRun recycle the mattresses it takes in Salem?

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Yes. The flat price includes the Massachusetts recycling fee.

Sources

Rules, fees and hours change, so confirm with Salem before you go.

City of Salem: Mattress Recycling: “Residents are responsible for $40/unit paid directly to UTEC” · accessed November 6, 2026
City of Salem: Trash Regulations & Hazardous Items: “Mattress bags will only be necessary if the unit is non-conforming” · accessed November 6, 2026
UTEC: Mattress Recycling: “UTEC will only pick-up standard mattresses and box springs” · accessed November 6, 2026
City of Salem: Recycling & Disposal Resources: “to schedule curbside mattress and box spring recycling” · accessed November 6, 2026