Question 1

How do I get rid of a mattress in Boston?

Accepted Answer

City curbside pickup by appointment only (buildings with 6 units or fewer). Never in regular trash.

Question 2

How do I get rid of a couch in Boston?

Accepted Answer

No appointment needed: furniture goes out with curbside trash (or donate it).

Question 3

How do I get rid of a refrigerator in Boston?

Accepted Answer

City pickup by special collection appointment only (Freon item). Doors off, food out.

Question 4

How do I get rid of a TV in Boston?

Accepted Answer

City pickup by special collection appointment (TVs are listed as CRT items). Not in regular trash.

Question 5

Does Boston have free bulky item pickup?

Accepted Answer

Boston Public Works collects furniture with curbside trash, but mattresses and Freon/CRT appliances and electronics require a scheduled appointment. City pickup applies to buildings with six units or fewer.

Question 6

How do I get rid of a mattress in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Free City Bulky Item Pick Up via 311 (single-family homes and buildings of 4 units or fewer).

Question 7

How do I get rid of a couch in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Free City Bulky Item Pick Up via 311 (single-family homes and buildings of 4 units or fewer).

Question 8

How do I get rid of a refrigerator in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Free City Bulky Item Pick Up via 311. Remove the doors first.

Question 9

How do I get rid of a TV in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

NOT collected by Bulky Item Pick Up. Drop off free at the City's HCCRF.

Question 10

Does Chicago have free bulky item pickup?

Accepted Answer

Chicago's Department of Streets and Sanitation serves single-family homes and buildings of four units or fewer. Request a Bulky Item Pick Up through 311 before putting out furniture, mattresses, or major appliances.

Question 11

How do I get rid of a mattress in New York City?

Accepted Answer

Free DSNY curbside pickup, no appointment, but it MUST be sealed in a plastic bag (not red or orange).

Question 12

How do I get rid of a couch in New York City?

Accepted Answer

Free DSNY curbside pickup on your trash-only day, no appointment.

Question 13

How do I get rid of a refrigerator in New York City?

Accepted Answer

Free, but you MUST book a DSNY CFC (Freon) removal appointment first.

Question 14

How do I get rid of a TV in New York City?

Accepted Answer

NOT allowed in trash, bulk or recycling. Use a free e-waste drop-off, event, or take-back program.

Question 15

Does New York City have free bulky item pickup?

Accepted Answer

The NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) collects large items from residential buildings free at the curb, up to 6 items per collection day, with no appointment. Mattresses must be sealed in plastic, and fridges and ACs need a free CFC appointment first.

Question 16

How do I get rid of a mattress in Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Goes out with regular trash, but ONLY if wrapped in a sealed plastic mattress bag. Not taken by Bulk Collection.

Question 17

How do I get rid of a couch in Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Wooden-frame couches: regular trash day (2 large items/week). Metal-frame furniture: Bulk Collection appointment.

Question 18

How do I get rid of a refrigerator in Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Bulk Collection appointment (doors removed), or drop off at a Sanitation Convenience Center.

Question 19

How do I get rid of a TV in Philadelphia?

Accepted Answer

Flat-screen TVs: Bulk Collection appointment. Electronics also accepted at Sanitation Convenience Centers.

Question 20

Does Philadelphia have free bulky item pickup?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia collects up to two compactible large items (sofas, bagged mattresses) with weekly trash, and runs an appointment-only Bulk Collection program for metal furniture, appliances, flat-screen TVs and tires. Six Sanitation Convenience Centers accept drop-offs.

Question 21

Can I put a mattress in regular trash?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Most cities require an appointment, a sealed plastic bag, or a special pickup for mattresses. Check your city page.

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