Default rule and exceptions
Furniture can go out with normal curbside trash, mattresses and box springs require an appointment, and special item collection is limited to 10 items per calendar year, with a maximum of 5 per appointment.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| City / sanitation | Collects furniture with regular curbside trash, and collects mattresses, box springs and special items by appointment. |
| Property owner | Must contact a private hauler after exceeding the limit of 10 special items per calendar year. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 15, 2026.
Furniture can be put out with your normal curbside trash and recycling on your scheduled collection day.
The City of Boston requires an appointment for the collection of all mattresses and box springs.
Special item collection is limited to 10 items per calendar year. A maximum of 5 items can be collected per appointment. If you have exceeded your limit, you will need to contact a private hauler.
City rules rest on state law. Read Massachusetts's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for bulk trash / junk removal in Boston, MA?
The city / utility. Collects furniture with regular curbside trash, and collects mattresses, box springs and special items by appointment.
What is this based on for Boston, MA?
This verdict is sourced to Trash and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Trashofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-15
- Mattress Recyclingofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-15
- Special Collection Itemsofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-15
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