Electronics, Appliances, and Large Items (Bulk)

To dispose of an item that does not fit in the purple bag, you will need to purchase a $10 Bulk Item Sticker. Examples of bulk items include furniture, plastic-cased vacuum cleaners, rugs, entertainment centers, toilets. 

These stickers may be purchased at:

  • The Building Center on Harbor Loop
  • Stop & Shop on Thatcher Road
  • Department of Public Works (DPW) office on Poplar Street

Appliances, computer monitors, televisions and dehumidifiers are picked up curbside once a month after a $30.00 sticker has been purchased at the DPW.  These stickers must be purchased no later than noon time the day before the pick up.


MATTRESS RECYCLING PROCEDURE

Starting on November 3, 2023 , residents will schedule their mattress/box spring collection directly through UTEC.

The City of Gloucester has partnered with UTEC to offer curbside pickup twice a month at a cost of $40 per item (mattress and box spring are two items), and payment is made directly to UTEC online.

On the day of pickup, the mattress should be placed on the curb by 7am. Drivers will not enter private property in an effort to collect mattresses or box springs left on porches, behind locked gates or other instances.

To register for a pickup, visit UTEC's website, scroll down the page, select "schedule service" and select "Gloucester". The available dates residents can choose from will be highlighted.  For the month of November, there will be two collections, back to back, November 10 and November 17.  The next collection will be on December 8, we will then be on an every-other-week schedule for the most part.  If you have any questions or need assistance scheduling a pick up please contact Utec directly at 978-856-3997.


Other Mattress Disposal Options

  • If you are buying new, we recommend checking with the retailer to see if they will recycle your old one.
  • Drop off the mattress to UTEC.
  • You can donate mattresses in good condition (we recommend a quick google search to find donation sites).
  • Beyond the Bin has a full list of organizations that accept mattresses and box springs.
  • You can give mattresses away via a local gifting group.  Some groups to visit are Buy Nothing or Freecycle.
  • Use a private hauler or junk removal company to recycle mattresses.

As of November 1, 2022 Mattresses are added to the list of materials banned from disposal or transport in Massachusetts.

MA residents throw out 600,000 mattresses each year. That is a lot of potential material that could be used to make new products. In fact, over 75% of mattress and box spring components can be easily disassembled and recycled.

Mattresses also take up a lot of space! Separating them for recycling is better for the planet and reduces the need for additional landfills and municipal waste combustion facilities.