Swampscott Launches New Mattress Recycling Program

The Town of Swampscott is pleased to announce a new Mattress Recycling Program starting on November 1, 2021. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Energy & Protection’s (MassDEP) Mattress Recycling Incentive grant, this program will offer residents the opportunity to purchase Mattress Recycling Stickers and place their mattress and/or box spring curbside on a pre-determined pick-up date. Mattresses will no longer be accepted as part of the bulk-item program.

According to MassDEP, once disassembled, over 75% of mattress components can be recycled. Foam padding, for instance can be turned into carpet or animal bed padding, wooden frames can be shredded to produce landscaping mulch, and springs can be recycled as metal scrap or used to make new building materials. As part of its 2030 Solid Waste Masterplan, which establishes goals to reduce disposal statewide by 30% over the next 10 years, MassDEP outlines a strategy for banning mattress and textiles from regular disposal.

Stickers can be purchased for $20 from the Town of Swampscott website or on-site at Town Hall during normal business hours. Mattresses will be picked up by the Town Department of Public Works on regular pre-scheduled dates each month – the 2nd and 4th Saturday. Mattresses must not block the sidewalk and should not be placed out more than 24-hours in advance of pick-up. Only one sticker needs to be purchased for joint mattress and box spring disposal.

This program joins an ever-growing list of waste reduction programs offered by Swampscott, including composting, metal recycling, textile recycling, and more.

For more information about the program, visit www.swampscottma.gov or call 781-596-8850.