Boston Bulk Trash Pickup Rules
Bulk pickup is listed as available for up to 10 items per collection. Household furniture and bicycles can be placed curbside on your regular trash collection day without an appointment. For large appliances and electronics containing Freon or cathode ray tubes (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, televisions, computer monitors), schedule a free special pickup via Boston 311 or online. Mattresses require a separate appointment.
Boston bulk pickup rules
| Collection rule | Household furniture and bicycles can be placed curbside on your regular trash collection day without an appointment. For large appliances and electronics containing Freon or cathode ray tubes (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, televisions, computer monitors), schedule a free special pickup via Boston 311 or online. Mattresses require a separate appointment. |
|---|---|
| Limit per pickup | 10 items |
| Permitted materials | Furniture, Appliances |
| Advance notice | Required before collection. |
| Dispatch phone | 617-635-4500 |
Mattress bagging rule: Mattresses must be bagged under the listed rules. Confirm the required plastic encasement before pickup.
Allowed vs. disallowed bulk materials
Furniture
AcceptedWooden and upholstered furniture like couches, chairs, and tables can be placed curbside on regular trash day.
Appliances
AcceptedAppliances containing Freon (refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers) require scheduling through 311. Refrigerator and freezer doors must be removed before pickup.
Construction debris
Not acceptedConstruction and demolition debris is not collected by the city; hire a licensed private disposal contractor.
How to throw away a mattress in Boston
Follow the listed bulk rule: Household furniture and bicycles can be placed curbside on your regular trash collection day without an appointment. For large appliances and electronics containing Freon or cathode ray tubes (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, televisions, computer monitors), schedule a free special pickup via Boston 311 or online. Mattresses require a separate appointment.
Special disposal mandates
Plastic mattress encasement: Mattress bagging is required under the listed rules. Confirm the required plastic bag or encasement and sealing instructions with dispatch before collection.
Freon sticker for refrigerant appliances: The sticker requirement has not been verified. Confirm the appliance procedure with dispatch.
Local disposal alternatives in Suffolk County
For items that cannot go at the curb, check these official disposal resources. Confirm accepted materials, residency requirements, fees, and hours before visiting.
Boston 311 Service Center and Special Collections
1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201
Schedule special curbside pickups for Freon appliances and CRT electronics, or report missed collections and request blue recycling carts.
City of Boston Mattress Recycling Program
1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201
Curbside mattress recycling collection by appointment for residential buildings with six units or fewer.
The nearest eligible transfer station or landfill depends on your address and the material. These resources are not ranked by distance.
DPW & sanitation contact
City of Boston Public Works Department · municipal dpw
Phone: 617-635-4500
1 City Hall Square, Suite 714Boston, MA 02201
These collection rules cover Zone City of Boston Curbside Collection Routes.
Trash & recycling questions
What days is trash collected in Boston, MA?
Listed trash collection days are Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. Set containers out Set trash out after 5:00 p.m. the night before your collection day, or by 6:00 a.m. on collection morning. Setting trash out earlier than 5:00 p.m. is subject to a $25 municipal fine.. These rules apply to Zone City of Boston Curbside Collection Routes.
Is garbage pickup delayed for holidays in Boston?
As of 2026-09-23: No observed holidays this week. Collections follow the regular schedule. A listed holiday shifts that day and the remaining collection days in its service week by one day. Observed holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. These rules apply to Zone City of Boston Curbside Collection Routes.
How do I schedule bulk trash pickup in Boston?
Household furniture and bicycles can be placed curbside on your regular trash collection day without an appointment. For large appliances and electronics containing Freon or cathode ray tubes (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, televisions, computer monitors), schedule a free special pickup via Boston 311 or online. Mattresses require a separate appointment. The listed limit is 10 items per pickup. Advance notice is required. Contact sanitation at 617-635-4500 to confirm eligibility and arrange service. These rules apply to Zone City of Boston Curbside Collection Routes.
What items are accepted for recycling in Boston?
The listed accepted materials are Cardboard (flattened shipping boxes, cereal boxes, egg cartons, paper towel tubes), Paper (office paper, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, paper bags, mail), Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and lids (drink bottles, milk jugs, shampoo bottles, yogurt containers), Glass bottles and jars (food and beverage containers rinsed clean), Metal food and beverage cans (aluminum cans, tin soup cans rinsed clean). Keep these listed prohibited items out: Plastic bags and film wrap (do not bag recyclables or use grocery bags), Styrofoam and foam packaging materials, Black plastic takeout food containers, Food waste and food-soiled packaging, Batteries, electronics, textiles, and hazardous chemicals. Confirm item-specific preparation rules with the official sanitation office. These rules apply to Zone City of Boston Curbside Collection Routes.