Worcester County, MA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)

Worcester County does not handle bulk disposal because county government was abolished in 1998. The City of Worcester's Department of Public Works & Parks offers scheduled bulky-item pickup for mattresses, couches, chairs, and large items by advance appointment for a per-item fee (typically $25-$50 depending on item). White goods (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners) require refrigerant removal/certification tag and an additional pickup fee. MassDEP Waste Ban regulations (310 CMR 19.017) prohibit disposing of mattresses and textiles (effective November 2022), cathode-ray tubes, whole TVs/computers, large appliances with refrigerant, yard waste, cardboard, metal, and glass in the regular trash — many of these must go to specific diversion streams. The Worcester DPW Household Hazardous Waste events handle paint, solvents, and batteries. Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, and smaller towns operate similar programs; many rural Worcester County towns require residents to bring bulky items to the town transfer station with special disposal fees. Construction and demolition debris (C&D) is prohibited from both curbside bulky pickup and municipal solid waste under 310 CMR 19.017 and must go to a licensed C&D processor. Illegal dumping of bulky items incurs severe penalties under MGL c. 270 §16.