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How to get rid of a couch, mattress or furniture in Cambridge

Cambridge collects one piece of furniture a week for free with your trash, but appliances need a paid permit and mattresses are booked separately with the City's contractor, UTEC, for $45 each. Here's what each option takes, what it costs, and where we got it.

13 options · every listing links to its source · last verified 2026-10-24

Does Cambridge pick up furniture?Yes. Each household can put out one piece of bulky waste, such as a couch, table or chair, per week with regular trash collection, free. Metal furniture is banned from the trash; metal desks and filing cabinets need a free permit.
How much is Cambridge bulky item pickup for appliances?$25 per item, or $20 if you're 62 or older, for items like air conditioners, washers, dryers, refrigerators, stoves and TVs over 20 inches. Items aren't scheduled until the fee is paid.
How do I schedule mattress pickup in Cambridge?Book online with UTEC at utecinc.org/mattress-recycling. It costs $45 per mattress and $45 per box spring, and the City says slots fill up quickly.
Is there a drop-off for large items in Cambridge?The City says there are no drop-off locations in Cambridge for mattresses. Its Recycling Center at 147 Hampshire Street takes small electronics and scrap metal, but not appliances.
What can't go in the trash in Cambridge?Large appliances, metal items such as filing cabinets and furniture, mattresses, textiles, recyclables, yard waste, mercury items and non-alkaline batteries are banned from Cambridge trash.
Who will pick up bulky items from inside my home in Cambridge?Of the 13 options we list for Cambridge, 3 say they will collect from inside your home: ReSupply donation pickup (Boston area), LoadUp junk removal and Marvin Junk Removal. 4 are curbside or drop-off only, 3 give partial details (see each listing), and 3 don't say, so ask them. Fees and conditions vary; check each listing.
What are the ways to get rid of bulky items in Cambridge?We list 13 options in Cambridge: city bulk pickup (3); charity pickup (1); drop-off (2); furniture bank (2); paid hauler (5). Each listing links to the page we checked.

Item guides for Cambridge

City Bulk Pickup

city bulk pickup

City of Cambridge curbside furniture & bulky item collection (no permit)

Takes
  • Furniture such as a couch, table or chair (one piece per week; not metal)
  • Carpet or lumber (residential only, up to 3 tied bundles, 3' x 3' x 1')
  • Toilet or sink (one per household on collection day)
  • Small TVs and computer monitors (20" or smaller screen, placed close to the curb edge)
  • Small electronics such as microwaves, stereos, box fans, small printers or fax machines
Not accepted
  • Metal furniture and other metal items such as filing cabinets (banned from Cambridge trash; metal desks and cabinets need a free permit)
  • Large appliances (permit and fee required, see below)
  • Mattresses and box springs (banned from trash; separate UTEC program)
  • Textiles such as clothes, sheets and towels (banned from trash)
  • Commercial or industrial items
Condition rules
Each household may put out one piece of bulky waste per week with trash collection. The City says there are some exceptions and points to its Get Rid of It Right tool to check an item. Items go curbside after 6 p.m. the night before or by 7 a.m. on collection day. Violations of the Refuse & Litter Ordinance can be fined up to $300 per violation per day.
Stairs / inside pickup
No. Curbside only.
Lead time / hours
Your regular weekly trash day (look it up with the Get Rid of It Right tool or the Zero Waste Cambridge app). Collection runs one day behind after a holiday.
Cost
Free (the City's curbside brochure says one piece of furniture per week, free of charge).
Service area
Cambridge residential buildings that get City trash collection. The City's reuse page says the weekly item is for households whose trash the City collects.
How to book
Website / booking · 617-349-4800 (DPW) · theworks@cambridgema.gov
Notes
The City's trash page says one piece per household per week; its older curbside brochure says one piece per building per week. If you share a building, check with DPW.
Sources
[1] [2] [3] [4] · last verified 2026-10-24
city bulk pickup

City of Cambridge appliance & large item pickup (permit required)

Takes
  • Air conditioners and dehumidifiers (Freon removed)
  • Clothes washers and dryers
  • Refrigerators and freezers (non-commercial; doors removed)
  • Stoves
  • TVs and computer monitors over 20"
  • Copiers and printers over 40 lbs
  • Trash compactors, water coolers and water heaters
  • Larger motorized exercise equipment
  • Free-permit items: small exercise equipment, bicycles, lawnmowers, radiators, snow blowers, metal filing cabinets and desks
Not accepted
  • Commercial or industrial items
  • Mattresses and box springs (scheduled separately with UTEC)
Condition rules
Every item on these lists needs a permit before pickup, even the free ones. The City says an item isn't on the collection schedule until all fees are paid. Remove refrigerator and freezer doors. Place items curbside by 7 a.m. on your collection day, or after 6 p.m. the night before.
Stairs / inside pickup
No. Curbside pickup.
Lead time / hours
Prescheduled. The City says most items are scheduled for Wednesdays or Thursdays. Exact lead time not stated.
Cost
$25 per item, or $20 if the resident is 62 or older, per the City's permit application page. Free permit for bicycles, metal desks and cabinets, grills, exercise equipment, lawnmowers and snowblowers. Paying online adds a convenience fee ($0.99 + 2.99% by card, or $5.50 by e-check); paying in person avoids it.
Service area
Cambridge residents.
Address
Permits in person: DPW, 147 Hampshire Street (Mon 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Tue-Thu 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; check, money order, cash or credit card)
How to book
Website / booking · 617-349-4800 · theworks@cambridgema.gov
Notes
Fee and convenience-fee amounts are from the City's online permit application page (cambridgema.viewpointcloud.com), which loads with JavaScript; the main City page lists which items need a paid or free permit but not the amount.
Sources
[1] [2] · last verified 2026-10-24
city bulk pickup

City of Cambridge mattress & box spring recycling (UTEC, $45 per item)

Takes
  • Most mattresses
  • Box springs
Not accepted
  • Excessively torn, punctured, soiled or moldy items
  • Items infested (or previously infested) with bed bugs or other pests
  • Futons, mattress pads and toppers
  • Infant sleeping pads, air beds and water beds
  • Couches, bed frames, appliances and other furniture or textiles
Condition rules
Schedule online with UTEC, the City's contractor, and schedule early because the City says slots fill up quickly. Put items at the curb in front of your address by 7 a.m. on collection day, and not before 6 p.m. the night before. The City suggests taping a note with "UTEC", your order number and pickup date to each item. UTEC's limit is 8 pieces per pickup. To cancel for a full refund, UTEC says to email at least 24 hours before the pickup date; a no-show item is still charged.
Stairs / inside pickup
No. Curbside only; the crew is prohibited from coming onto private property.
Lead time / hours
UTEC says Cambridge curbside pickups happen weekly and online requests can be made at any time. The crew picks up before 3 p.m. on your date. Exact wait not stated.
Cost
$45 per mattress and $45 per box spring (City mattress page, updated July 20, 2026). A $5 discount is available for financial hardship; call UTEC at 978-856-3997.
Service area
Cambridge residents. If your building has more than 12 units, the City says to ask your property manager first, because your building may have a different procedure.
How to book
Website / booking · 978-856-3997 (UTEC) · mattress-recycling@utecinc.org (problems: copy recycle@cambridgema.gov)
Notes
The City's separate large-item page still says mattress collection is free; the City's dedicated mattress page, updated more recently (July 20, 2026), lists the $45 fee. Massachusetts has banned mattresses from the trash since November 1, 2022.
Sources
[1] [2] · last verified 2026-10-24

Charity Pickup

charity pickup

The Salvation Army donation pickup (1-800-SA-TRUCK)

Takes
  • Furniture (as listed on satruck.org)
  • Appliances (as listed on satruck.org)
  • Clothing and household goods
Condition rules
Gently used. Accepted items vary by location, so check when you enter your ZIP or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK. Mattress acceptance is not stated on the satruck.org home page, check with them.
Stairs / inside pickup
Not stated, check with them
Lead time / hours
Not stated, check with them
Cost
Advertised as a free donation pickup on satruck.org. Local terms: check with them.
Service area
Enter your Cambridge ZIP on satruck.org to see whether pickup is offered at your address. I could not confirm Cambridge coverage (the ZIP check is a script form).
How to book
Website / booking · 1-800-728-7825
Notes
The City of Cambridge's reuse page links satruck.org among its donation resources.
Sources
[1] [2] · last verified 2026-10-24

Drop-Off

drop-off

Cambridge DPW Recycling Center (147 Hampshire St)

Takes
  • Small electronics (small appliances, computers, cell phones, string lights)
  • Scrap metal items (no sealed containers, no appliances)
  • Bulky plastics such as laundry baskets and pails
  • Books
  • Batteries, fluorescent bulbs and mercury items
  • Printer cartridges, plastic bags and blue-cart recyclables
Not accepted
  • Appliances
  • Trash
  • Propane tanks (Household Hazardous Waste days)
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Paint (oil-based and latex), chemicals and waste fuels
Condition rules
Check your electronic item with the Get Rid of It Right tool. Contact DPW before bringing more than 50 items.
Stairs / inside pickup
No. You bring items to the center.
Lead time / hours
Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The City also runs neighborhood pop-up events listed on the same page.
Cost
Not stated, check with them
Service area
Cambridge residents, plus Cambridge small businesses and non-profits with 50 or fewer employees.
Address
147 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA (back right corner of the Public Works yard)
How to book
Website / booking · 617-349-4800 (DPW) · theworks@cambridgema.gov
Notes
Not for furniture, mattresses or large appliances.
Sources
[1] · last verified 2026-10-24
drop-off

Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston ReStore (West Roxbury)

Takes
  • Bed frames, headboards & footboards
  • Dressers, bureaus & armoires
  • Coffee & end tables
  • Desks (3' x 5' or smaller)
  • Tables & chairs (not conference tables or dated)
  • Upholstered furniture (not ripped, worn, broken, dated or faded)
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Appliances less than eight years old (fridges, washers, dryers, free-standing stoves, cooktops, microwaves, never-installed dishwashers)
  • Cabinets, doors, lighting, building materials
Not accepted
  • Mattresses & box springs
  • Sofa beds
  • Sofas with slip covers
  • Futons
  • Platform & trundle beds
  • Hutches, sideboards, buffets, china cabinets
  • TV armoires & entertainment centers
  • Fitness equipment
  • In-wall stoves
Condition rules
All donations must be in working order. Staff can refuse any item based on condition and store need. Email the ReStore for the current list.
Stairs / inside pickup
Drop-off: staff help unload at the store. In-home pickup is arranged through ReSupply, Habitat's scheduling partner (Habitat says ReSupply works with local movers at a lower cost to you; it's a paid service).
Lead time / hours
Donation drop-off Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (as posted).
Cost
Drop-off fee: not stated. Pickup is through ReSupply, a paid service.
Service area
Drop-off at the West Roxbury store. Habitat says a second ReStore is set to open in Watertown in fall 2026. In-home pickup is booked through ReSupply, whose Boston page lists Cambridge among the communities it serves.
Address
1580 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA
How to book
Website / booking · restore@habitatboston.org
Sources
[1] [2] · last verified 2026-10-24

Furniture Bank

furniture bank

Furnishing Hope of Massachusetts

Takes
  • Mattresses & box springs
  • Beds
  • Dressers, night tables & armoires
  • Sofas & upholstered chairs
  • Coffee & end tables
  • TV stands & entertainment centers
  • Kitchen/dining tables & chairs
  • Buffets, hutches, bookcases, cabinets
Condition rules
New or gently used, clean, complete, and in good working condition. No stains, odors, or pet hair, major wear and tear, or anything needing repair. Send photos before scheduling.
Stairs / inside pickup
Pickup is handled by professional movers. Whether they go inside or upstairs is not stated, so check with them.
Lead time / hours
Home goods can be dropped off at the Harvard Square office Monday to Friday by appointment (email the Outreach Coordinator). Furniture drop-off is in Acton on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pickup timing: not stated.
Cost
No pickup fee, but they request a tax-deductible donation, suggested at $250 to $400 depending on the size of the donation. Pickup requires at least six substantial furniture items.
Service area
Office at 131 Mount Auburn Street in Harvard Square, Cambridge. Pickup area not stated, check with them. The City of Cambridge's mattress page lists Furnishing Hope as a paid option that needs six substantial pieces of furniture plus the mattress for pickup.
Address
131 Mount Auburn Street, Level B, Cambridge, MA 02138
How to book
Website / booking · (857) 229-7528 · info@furnishinghopema.org
Notes
Email info@furnishinghopema.org with photos, your pickup address and the date the furniture must be gone. Home goods drop-off: outreachcoordinator@furnishinghopema.org.
Sources
[1] [2] · last verified 2026-10-24
furniture bank

Household Goods (Acton)

Takes
  • Standard-size mattresses & box springs
  • Bed frames (all parts) & bunk beds
  • Dressers & armoires
  • Couches, sofa beds & futons
  • Chairs (no office chairs)
  • Kitchen, dining, end & coffee tables
  • Refrigerators, washers, electric dryers (newer than 10 years)
  • Air conditioners up to 18" x 30" x 24" (newer than 10 years)
  • Flat-screen TVs under 55" (less than 10 years old)
Not accepted
  • Mattresses with any stains or rips
  • Office furniture, desks, file cabinets
  • Glass-top items
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Oversized or wall-mounted items
Condition rules
Clean, complete, and in good working condition; nothing broken, chipped, torn, stained, or recalled.
Stairs / inside pickup
Volunteer pickup asks that items be in a garage or on the first floor if possible.
Lead time / hours
Drop-off Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteer pickups typically scheduled 4+ weeks ahead. Paid pickups through ReSupply or ReMARKable Donations in as soon as 2 business days.
Cost
Drop-off: not stated. Volunteer pickup: minimum $35 donation requested. Paid pickups (ReSupply / ReMARKable Donations): for a fee.
Service area
Volunteer pickup only in Acton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury and Westford, so not Cambridge. Cambridge donors can drop off in Acton or use the paid pickup partners (ReSupply or Mark's Moving/ReMARKable Donations).
Address
530 Main Street, Acton, MA
How to book
Website / booking · 978-763-1198
Sources
[1] [2] · last verified 2026-10-24

Paid Hauler

paid hauler

ReSupply donation pickup (Boston area)

Takes
  • Furniture (tables, dressers, bed frames, bookcases, etc.)
  • Couches, sectionals, recliners, futons
  • Mattresses
  • Appliances
  • Clothing, boxes & bags
  • Office furniture
Condition rules
Items should be clean, sturdy, complete, and usable (no broken frames, missing parts, or pet damage). Items the charity can't accept may carry a recycling fee, charged in $10 increments.
Stairs / inside pickup
Yes. Furniture teams collect from inside your home, including upper floors of walk-ups and triple-deckers. Disassembly is available; additional fees may apply.
Lead time / hours
Priority donation pickups within 24 hours (per ReSupply's Boston page).
Cost
Paid service. Starting at $19, $49 and $99 depending on the pickup (bags and boxes up to bulky furniture), plus a separate booking fee that is non-refundable unless ReSupply can't complete the pickup. Pricing varies by location, items and handling needs; you can decline the final quote on site.
Service area
ReSupply's Boston page lists Cambridge among the communities it serves. The City of Cambridge's reuse page describes ReSupply as an in-home, fee-based pickup option.
How to book
Website / booking
Notes
Habitat Greater Boston ReStore and Household Goods both point donors to ReSupply for in-home pickup.
Sources
[1] [2] [3] · last verified 2026-10-24
paid hauler

LoadUp junk removal

Takes
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
  • Couches
  • Appliances
  • General junk
Condition rules
No donation-quality requirement stated; this is junk removal.
Stairs / inside pickup
Yes. LoadUp says its loaders carry items out from any room (bedroom, basement, attic, upstairs); curbside option also offered.
Lead time / hours
Next-day or same-day pickup when you book before 12 p.m. (per LoadUp's Cambridge page).
Cost
Per LoadUp's pages: junk removal full-service from $75, curbside from $70, priority from $85. Mattress removal from $85. Starting prices; the final price is shown by ZIP and item before booking.
Service area
LoadUp has a Cambridge, MA page covering Cambridgeport, North Cambridge and East Cambridge. Enter your ZIP to confirm.
How to book
Website / booking
Notes
We do not currently have an affiliate relationship with LoadUp. If that changes, this listing will be labeled.
Sources
[1] [2] [3] · last verified 2026-10-24
paid hauler

Mattress Pro Recycling

Takes
  • Mattresses (any size, including memory foam and hybrid)
  • Box springs
  • Futons
  • Mattress toppers
  • Bed frames and other items by quote (text photos)
Not accepted
  • Wet, moldy or pest-infested mattresses
Condition rules
Mattresses must be dry and free of mold or pests. Pickup only; no customer drop-offs.
Stairs / inside pickup
Not stated, check with them
Lead time / hours
Book a date online. For a same-day pickup after 2 p.m., call or text 857-404-2496.
Cost
$125 per mattress, $100 per box spring, $50 per topper, any size (per its booking page). Bed frames and unlisted items: quote by text.
Service area
Its home page lists Cambridge among the towns it serves (also Somerville, Newton, Brookline, Watertown, Belmont, Arlington and more).
Address
221 Jackson Street, Newton, MA 02459 (as listed by the City of Boston)
How to book
Website / booking · 857-404-2496
Notes
The City of Cambridge lists Mattress Pro Recycling as a paid option and notes it also takes futon mattresses, toppers and bed frames.
Sources
[1] [2] [3] [4] · last verified 2026-10-24
paid hauler

HandUp Mattress Recycling & Resale (New Bedford drop-off)

Takes
  • Mattresses
  • Box springs
Not accepted
  • Mattresses or box springs visibly containing mold or bed bugs
Condition rules
Drop-off for a fixed price per mattress or box spring. Pickup for towns outside HandUp's scheduled routes is by quote through its contact form.
Stairs / inside pickup
Not stated, check with them
Lead time / hours
Recycling drop-off: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pickup timing: not stated.
Cost
Drop-off $35 at HandUp Mattress Recycling (100 Duchaine Blvd, Dock #15) or $40 at HandUp Mattress Resale (229 Coffin Ave), both in New Bedford. Pickup: by quote.
Service area
Cambridge isn't on HandUp's list of regularly scheduled curbside towns, so pickup is by quote. The City of Cambridge says to select "Boston" as your town.
Address
100 Duchaine Boulevard (Dock #15), New Bedford, MA 02745
How to book
Website / booking · 774-271-8744 · info@handupus.org
Notes
The City of Cambridge says some HandUp mattresses are sanitized and resold.
Sources
[1] [2] · last verified 2026-10-24
paid hauler

Marvin Junk Removal

Takes
  • Mattresses and box springs
  • Furniture (sofas, bed frames, dressers)
  • Appliances
  • Scrap metal, cast iron radiators and boilers
Condition rules
Free estimate by phone or text.
Stairs / inside pickup
Yes. Marvin says it carries items out from any floor, including walk-ups and basements.
Lead time / hours
Marvin says it is often same day.
Cost
Junk removal starts at $120 and mattress disposal starts at $180 (per its Cambridge page). Final price by estimate.
Service area
Has a Cambridge, MA service page.
How to book
Website / booking · 781-267-5966
Notes
Listed by the City of Cambridge as a paid mattress option. Its page describes Cambridge's UTEC program as free, which no longer matches the City's $45 fee.
Sources
[1] [2] · last verified 2026-10-24

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