Somerville Launching Mattress Disposal Program In The New Year

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city has announced a mattress and box spring recycling program slated to launch after the new year.

The program’s inception and infrastructure was developed by the Department of Public Works, after reportedly reviewing similar programs in 28 other nearby municipalities.

“The City of Somerville currently spends nearly $300,000 each year to cover the cost of recycling mattresses and box springs discarded by residents. Since November 2022, state law has required that all discarded mattresses and box springs be recycled to reduce pressure on landfills, significantly increasing municipal recycling costs statewide, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said. “This program will help offset rising disposal costs while creating a more consistent, fair, and sustainable system for residents.”

She added that the program will also deter community members from attempting to improperly dispose of mattresses in the future.

Eligibility requirements include living in residential households in buildings with 6 or fewer units, as well as having city-managed trash collection. Disposal stickers can be purchased at either City Hall at 93 Highland Ave. or at the DPW’s headquarters at 1 Franey Road. Cash will not be accepted as a form of payment at the DPW Office. Stickers can also be acquired online. One sticker will need to be purchased per mattress disposal. According to Ballantyne, residents will be charged $55 per unit, while the average cost of removal in Fiscal Year 2025 was $63.46.

Mattress pickups will have to be scheduled ahead of time with Somerville’s 311 Constituent Services. The program is slated to begin on Feb. 1.

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