Wakefield-Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has added mattresses and box springs to its list of prohibited substances for disposal in Massachusetts. From November 1, 2022, recycling is compulsory. The town of Wakefield has partnered with HandUp, a MassDEP certified vendor, to recycle and upcycle mattresses.
Wakefield residents will still have access to mattress pickup, but the price will increase from $20 (as a bulky item) to $60. Residents must purchase bulky item stickers and dispose of them by the roadside by October 31st. Please paste it in a visible position on the mattress. Residents are not required to schedule collections in advance, but he is limited to two large items per week on regular garbage collection days.
Beginning November 1st, residents should contact HandUp directly to request mattress collection. Details of this process will be communicated later this month.
In addition to mattresses, textiles will also be banned from the waste stream from 1 November. Wakefield has his bin available for drop-offs at each public school through Bay State Textiles. These bins allow residents to dispose of clothes, shoes, and other fabrics in any condition. Torn or worn textiles are also acceptable on these sites. With drop-off volumes expected to increase, Public Works will monitor these collection bins to ensure they are cleared on a regular basis.
Wakefield Memorial High School: 60 Farm Street
Woodville School: 30 Farm Street
• Dolbare School: 340 Lowell Street
• Walton School: 18 Davidson Road
• Galvin Middle School: 525 Main Street
• Greenwood School: 1030 Main Street
• Doyle Early Childhood Center: 11 Paul Ave
Wakefield has also partnered with Simple Recycling to offer complimentary curbside pickup. Residents can use the online scheduling form at https://simplerecycling.com/schedule-a-pickup/.
Or call Simple Recycling at 866-835-5068. Many local charities also collect clothing and textiles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recycling Mattresses
How do I schedule collections?
Through October 31st, mattresses and box springs are considered bulky waste and collection will be coordinated through your regular garbage collector. Stickers for bulky items are $20 and can be purchased at Town Hall and Hart’s Hardware (442 Main St.). Available. Residents are not required to schedule collections in advance, but he is limited to two bulky items per week on regular garbage collection days.
Beginning November 1st, residents will contact HandUp directly regarding payment and scheduling. The online scheduling link is being finalized and will be posted on the Textile Recycling page in the coming weeks.
What mattress sizes are covered by this waste ban?
All size mattresses in California King, King, Queen, Full, Twin XL, Twin and Crib mattresses are prohibited.
Are full-foam, latex mattresses, and “mattresses in a box” included?
Yes, these specific mattress products are included in the disposal ban.
Do I need to schedule a pickup for all mattress items?
Residents collect mattress pads, mattress toppers, sleeping bags, pillows, car beds, carriages, baskets, vanities, strollers, playpens, strollers, lounge pads, crib bumpers, liquid or gas filled ticking You don’t need to use HandUp for this. Waterbeds and air mattresses with no upholstery between the tick and the mattress core, and futon and sofa bed mattresses.
Please note, however, that many of these items are considered textiles and must be recycled through your Bay State bin, Simple Recycling curbside pickup, or other organization.
