Cambridge, MA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Items per week
- 2 bulk items per collection day
- Scheduling
- iReport, DPW site, or (617) 349-4800
- Refrigerants
- Must be removed and tagged
- Mattresses
- Banned from trash, recycled separately
- Not accepted
- Construction debris, tires, hazardous waste
Summary
Cambridge residents may schedule up to two bulk items per week for curbside pickup by appointment through DPW. Mattresses and box springs require mandatory recycling under state law.
Curbside Collections
The City collects trash, recycling, food waste and yard waste from most residential buildings. This page has links to help you manage your waste properly, report a missed pickup, order replacement waste collection carts, and get tips on reducing trash.
Weekly Collections (Note: One day behind schedule following a holiday.) Recycling / Food Waste / Trash / Yard Waste
Collections on request Bulky Items (e.g.: TV, appliances) / Mattresses / Clothing and Textiles
Drop Off Recycling Center / Household Hazardous Waste
Other Reduce and Reuse / Contact us / Sign-up for the Newsletter
[...]
Click for Carts, Fliers, and Stickers Request recycling, food waste, or trash carts and fliers or report broken or missing carts.
Use the Get Rid of it Right tool to find your collection schedule, search for how to dispose of items, play a waste sorting game, or retrieve your street sweeping schedule.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
The Cambridge Department of Public Works offers free scheduled curbside pickup of bulk household items such as furniture, appliances, and mattresses for residential buildings with six or fewer units. Residents must request pickup in advance through the city iReport app, the DPW website, or by calling (617) 349-4800, and may schedule up to two items per collection day. Refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners must have refrigerants removed by a certified technician and a tag attached before collection. Mattresses and box springs are banned from disposal in Massachusetts (MassDEP waste ban, 310 CMR 19.017) and are recycled separately. Construction debris, tires, and hazardous waste are not accepted curbside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk pickup?
Can I leave a mattress at the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
Compare Cambridge to another location·View the Massachusetts trash & recycling overview
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Bulk Item Disposal in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle bulk item disposal.