Mattress Disposal on the South Shore: A Town-by-Town Guide

Meta Description: Massachusetts banned mattress disposal in 2022. Drop-off options and fees vary by South Shore town. Here’s every option, what it costs, and how to schedule.

Massachusetts banned mattresses from all trash in November 2022 — and ever since, the question we hear most on the South Shore is: so where does it actually go? In 2025, Massachusetts discards more than 600,000 mattresses per year, according to MassDEP data cited by ToughStuff Recycling. Most residents want to handle it right. They just can’t find a clear answer. For everything on the law itself, see our full breakdown of the Massachusetts mattress disposal ban.

This post is the practical follow-up. We’ve mapped every disposal option available to South Shore residents — curbside pickup services, drop-off facilities, town transfer stations with current fees, retailer haul-away programs, and donation options, by town.

Key Takeaways

• Since November 2022, mattresses are banned from all Massachusetts trash, dumpsters, and curbside bins — illegal disposal results in real fines (MassDEP, 2022)

• Green Mattress Recycling in Brockton (144 Field St, Mon–Fri, no appointment needed) is the closest dedicated drop-off to most South Shore towns

• HandUp Mattress Recycling offers scheduled curbside pickup across most Troupe service towns for $50/unit — book at handupmattress.com

• Town transfer station fees range from $20 (Hingham, Weymouth) to $35–$75 (Scituate) — and three towns in our service area have no confirmed municipal program at all

• If you’re buying a new mattress, ask about free haul-away before you leave the store — Bob’s Discount Furniture and Mattress Firm both offer it with qualifying delivery

Can You Put a Mattress in a Dumpster or Leave It at the Curb?

A discarded mattress lying in an outdoor pile of household trash, illustrating the illegal dumping the Massachusetts mattress ban was designed to stop

No — and the fine isn’t theoretical. Under MassDEP regulation 310 CMR 19.017, which took effect November 1, 2022, mattresses are banned from every Massachusetts trash stream: curbside bins, roll-off dumpsters, and transfer station general waste. Troupe cannot accept mattresses in any of our roll-off containers, and they can’t go in your weekly bin either.

In 2023, MassDEP fined a Mattapan hauler $17,400 after surveillance cameras documented at least three separate illegal mattress dumping incidents, according to the MassDEP enforcement notice published that year. The ban covers residents, businesses, and haulers alike.

When a mattress turns up in one of our roll-offs — it happens more than you’d expect — the driver has to flag it before the container moves. The customer pays extra to have it removed properly, and it delays the whole job. It’s not a situation anyone wants. If you’re renting a dumpster for a cleanout, pull the mattress aside and handle it separately using one of the options below.

What you’ll need for any disposal method:

• A vehicle large enough to transport the mattress (if self-hauling)
• Resident sticker or proof of residency (for transfer stations)
• About 5–10 minutes to schedule curbside pickup online

Here’s what your options actually are.

Option 1 — Curbside Mattress Pickup on the South Shore

Two private services — HandUp Mattress Recycling and South Shore Recycle — offer scheduled curbside mattress pickup across most of Troupe’s 20 service communities. As of August 2025, the Massachusetts Extended Producer Responsibility Commission’s mattress background document found that over 230 Massachusetts municipalities have mattress collection programs — yet 27% of MA residents still live in communities with no program at all. Private haulers like HandUp fill that gap directly. Troupe’s 20 Service Towns by Mattress Disposal Option

Source: RecycleSmart MA / MA Extended Producer Responsibility Commission, August 2025

HandUp Mattress Recycling

HandUp is the best starting point for most South Shore towns. Confirmed service area includes: Abington, Braintree, Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Norwell, Raynham, Rockland, Scituate, West Bridgewater, Weymouth, and Whitman.

• Cost: $50/unit, curbside
• Book online: handupmattress.com or call (774) 271-8744
• How it works: Pickup runs on a monthly schedule by town — check their site for your next available date. Leave the mattress at the curb by the scheduled morning. No prep required.

South Shore Recycle LLC

South Shore Recycle confirms service in Braintree, Hingham, Holbrook, Stoughton, and Weymouth, with additional towns available on request. They claim next-day availability in some areas.

• Contact: (617) 842-2434
• Pricing: Call for current rates

A service gap worth knowing about: Three Troupe service towns — Easton, Holbrook, and Stoughton — don’t appear in the RecycleSmart MA municipal mattress database as of 2025. Easton is covered by HandUp (check their zip-code scheduler to confirm your pickup date). Holbrook and Stoughton residents should call South Shore Recycle directly. No municipal mattress program currently operates in those three communities — a real gap that leaves residents without a town-sponsored option.

Option 2 — Mattress Drop-Off Facilities Near the South Shore

The closest dedicated mattress recycling drop-off to most South Shore towns is Green Mattress Recycling in Brockton — a detail that almost no competitor publishes, but one that makes a real practical difference if you have a truck or access to one. As of 2025, MassDEP data cited by ToughStuff Recycling confirms that more than 75% of mattress components — steel springs, polyurethane foam, fabric, and wood — are fully recyclable. Drop-off facilities route those materials into real recycling end markets, not landfill.

Several people carry a mattress through a neighborhood street, representing moving a mattress for recycling or curbside pickup

Green Mattress Recycling — Brockton (Closest to Most South Shore Towns)

• Address: 144 Field St, Brockton, MA 02302
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Appointment: None required — pull in during open hours
• Pricing: No published fee online; call (508) 562-5082 before going to confirm current rates
• Best for: Residents in Brockton, Stoughton, Easton, Holbrook, Abington, Bridgewater, and West Bridgewater — towns where the drive is under 20 minutes

Green Mattress Recycling is the facility most South Shore residents don’t know about. No appointment, weekday hours, and a Brockton location that’s well within range for the southern half of our service area. ToughStuff Recycling, which gets more name recognition in MA mattress coverage, operates its primary facility in Fitchburg — roughly 60 miles from Weymouth. For a South Shore drop-off, Green Mattress is the better call.

HandUp Drop-Off — New Bedford (Longer Drive)

HandUp also accepts drop-offs at their New Bedford facility, though it’s farther for most South Shore towns.

• Recycling drop-off: 100 Duchaine Blvd, New Bedford — $35/item
• Resale drop-off (near-perfect condition only): 229 Coffin Ave, New Bedford — $40/item
• Phone: (774) 271-8744

Option 3 — Town Transfer Stations: What Each South Shore Town Charges

Most SSRC-member towns with transfer stations do accept mattresses — but the fee, hours, and reservation requirements vary more than they probably should. As of June 2025, the MA EPR Commission estimated that Massachusetts municipalities collectively spend $12.4 million per year on mattress collection and disposal, according to the Commission’s June 2025 background document. That cost lands on local tax bills, and it’s one reason transfer station fees differ significantly from town to town.

You need a resident sticker for all town transfer stations. Commercial haulers are typically not permitted. Always call ahead — fees and hours change, and some towns require reservations.

The table below reflects our research from municipal websites and direct DPW contact as of spring 2026. For towns marked “call to confirm,” we found conflicting or outdated figures; use the phone numbers provided.

The Scituate fee range ($35–$75) reflects genuinely conflicting data from multiple published sources. Call before you load up the vehicle.

Source: Municipal websites and South Shore Recycling Cooperative, spring 2026. Call ahead — fees and hours change.

Option 4 — Getting a New Mattress? Ask About Free Haul-Away First

If you’re buying a replacement, free haul-away of your old mattress is often available — and it’s the option most people forget to ask about. Massachusetts doesn’t have a legally mandated retailer take-back program the way California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon do. But Bob’s Discount Furniture and Mattress Firm both offer voluntary haul-away programs that make it the cheapest option on the table.

Bob’s Discount Furniture

Bob’s offers free mattress haul-away through two routes:

1. White Glove Delivery — free haul-away of your old mattress is included with this delivery tier. Not available with Threshold, No-Contact, or FedEx delivery.
2. Dolly recycling program — Bob’s customers can schedule a separate free mattress pickup through Dolly, even without a new delivery. The old mattress must be in safe, sanitary condition — no infestations, no severe structural damage.

Mattress Firm

Mattress Firm offers free haul-away with qualifying mattress delivery purchases. Call (877) 384-2903 or confirm terms at the time of purchase — availability varies by location and delivery type.

Sleep Number (Hanover Mall)

Sleep Number’s haul-away policy varies by store. Contact the Hanover Mall location directly before purchasing if this matters to your decision.

One important note: these are voluntary programs. Terms change without notice. Always confirm at the point of sale — don’t assume haul-away is included.

Source: Vendor websites and municipal sources, spring 2026. Private junk removal pricing varies by provider and item count.

What If the Mattress Is Still in Good Shape? Donation Options

Most donation centers on the South Shore won’t take mattresses — and it’s not an arbitrary policy. Bedbug risk, hygiene liability, and storage constraints make mattresses a practical problem for nonprofit operations. Don’t show up with one unannounced.

Here’s the honest breakdown:

• Salvation Army (most MA locations): Refuses mattresses as a general policy. Rare exceptions exist for truly like-new condition. Call your local location before loading the vehicle — don’t assume.
• South Shore Habitat for Humanity ReStore (357 Columbia Rd, Hanover): Focuses on building materials — mattresses aren’t on their accepted list. Call (781) 826-6827 to confirm before attempting.
• HandUp resale (229 Coffin Ave, New Bedford): The one realistic donation-adjacent option. HandUp accepts mattresses in resalable condition — no stains, no odors, no structural damage, ideally under three years old. A $40 drop-off fee applies even for resale. Call (774) 271-8744 first.

If the mattress has any visible staining, sagging, or odor, skip the donation step. Go straight to recycling — you’ll save yourself a wasted trip and the organization the headache of turning you away.

For a full guide to what you can and can’t drop off across the South Shore, check our South Shore recycling rules guide.

One More Thing Before You Go

Troupe picks up trash and recycling every week across all 20 South Shore communities we serve. We just can’t take mattresses — the state ban is clear, and we follow it. It’s not a workaround we’re withholding.

If you’re dealing with a bigger cleanout and renting a dumpster, here’s the play: pull the mattress aside before the dumpster arrives, arrange HandUp or a Green Mattress Brockton trip for that one item, and let the roll-off handle everything else. We can do same-day or next-day delivery for the rest of the project.

Questions? We know the South Shore. Give us a call and we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a mattress in a Troupe Waste roll-off dumpster?

No. Under Massachusetts regulation 310 CMR 19.017, mattresses have been banned from all trash streams — including roll-off dumpsters — since November 1, 2022 (Mass.gov). If a mattress ends up in one of our containers by mistake, it has to be removed before the load can move, which adds cost and delays the job. Use HandUp curbside pickup ($50/unit, schedule at handupmattress.com) or drop it at Green Mattress Recycling in Brockton during weekday hours — no appointment needed.

How much does mattress disposal cost on the South Shore?

Costs range from $0 to $75 or more, depending on the option. Retailer haul-away through Bob’s Discount Furniture or Mattress Firm is free with qualifying delivery. Transfer stations in Hingham and Weymouth charge $20/item; Hanover is approximately $30; Scituate is $35–$75 (call to confirm). HandUp curbside pickup runs $50/unit. Private junk removal typically starts around $52–$100 for a single item.

Does Massachusetts have a mandatory mattress take-back program?

Not yet. In August 2025, the Massachusetts Extended Producer Responsibility Commission published formal recommendations for a mandatory, producer-funded mattress stewardship program — which would require mattress manufacturers to fund a statewide recycling infrastructure. As of 2026, Massachusetts still relies on voluntary retailer programs. The four states with mandated take-back are California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon.

What actually happens to a mattress when it’s recycled?

According to 2025 MassDEP data cited by ToughStuff Recycling, more than 75% of mattress components are recyclable. Steel coils go to metal recyclers. Polyurethane foam becomes carpet padding or industrial fill. Fabric and fiber are shredded for industrial use. Wood frames go to biomass or wood recyclers. In 2023, the Mattress Recycling Council collected nearly 1.5 million mattresses across CA, CT, RI, and OR — achieving a 76.9% material recovery rate and diverting roughly 60 million pounds from landfills, according to the Council’s July 2024 annual report.

My town isn’t on this list — how do I find mattress disposal options near me?

Start with recyclesmartma.org/mattress-collection-programs and ssrcoop.info/recycling-a-z. Both maintain regularly updated databases of what South Shore towns accept and where. Your town’s DPW website is the most reliable source for current fees and hours — RecycleSmart can lag behind when towns change their policies. HandUp also has a zip-code scheduler on their website if you’re not sure whether your town falls in their pickup area.

In Summary

Massachusetts’s mattress disposal system is a genuine patchwork — some South Shore towns have solid options and reasonable fees, a few have almost nothing in place. What’s consistent is the ban: mattresses cannot go in the trash, in a dumpster, or at the curb. That’s been the law since November 2022, and it’s enforced.

For most South Shore residents, the fastest routes are:

• HandUp curbside pickup — $50/unit, schedule online, they come to you
• Green Mattress Recycling in Brockton — 144 Field St, weekdays, no appointment
• Your town transfer station — $20–$30 in most towns that accept them; call first

And if you’re buying new, ask about free haul-away before you leave the store.

Troupe picks up your trash and recycling every week. Mattresses are the one thing we hand off — and now you know exactly who to call. Learn about residential pickup in your town.

Sources

3. MassDEP via ToughStuff Recycling, “Massachusetts Mattress Disposal Ban,” retrieved 2026-05-21, https://toughstuffrecycling.com/massachusetts-mattress-disposal-ban/
4. Mass.gov, “New Waste Disposal Ban Regulations Take Effect Today,” November 2022, retrieved 2026-05-21, https://www.mass.gov/news/new-waste-disposal-ban-regulations-take-effect-today
5. MassDEP, “MassDEP Cracks Down on Illegal Mattress Dumping in Mattapan,” 2023, retrieved 2026-05-21, https://www.mass.gov/news/massdep-cracks-down-on-illegal-mattress-dumping-in-mattapan
6. Massachusetts Extended Producer Responsibility Commission, “Final Draft — EPR Mattress Background and Recommendation Document,” August 2025, retrieved 2026-05-21, https://www.mass.gov/doc/final-draft-eprcmattressbackground-and-recommendationdocaugust2025/download
7. Massachusetts EPR Commission / MassRecycle, “Mattress Background Document,” June 2025, retrieved 2026-05-21, https://www.mass.gov/doc/2025-06-10-mattress-background-document/download
8. Mass.gov, “Mattress Recycling Guide,” 2025, retrieved 2026-05-21, https://www.mass.gov/guides/mattress-recycling
9. Mattress Recycling Council, “MRC Collects Nearly 1.5 Million Mattresses in 2023,” July 2024, retrieved 2026-05-21, https://mattressrecyclingcouncil.org/mattress-recycling-council-collects-nearly-1-5-million-mattresses-in-2023/
10. Town of Hingham, Transfer Station Mattress Fee Information, retrieved 2026-05-21, https://www.hingham-ma.gov/832/MattressBox-Springs
11. Town of Hanover, Transfer Station Information, retrieved 2026-05-21, https://www.hanover-ma.gov/transfer-station
12. South Shore Recycling Cooperative, “Recycling A-Z,” retrieved 2026-05-21, https://www.ssrcoop.info/recycling-a-z/