How to navigate the new rules for old mattresses in the Boston area

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It’s move-in week across the Boston area — and also move-out week. As Sept. 1 approaches, there’s a new rule to know, especially if your current mattress isn’t making it into that third-floor walk-up.

Curbing mattress waste: Local officials have never been huge fans of people leaving their used mattresses out on the curb for trash pickup (most are recyclable) or for others to take (bedbugs, yuck). But under new state rules that took effect last November, mattress recycling is now the law of the land. That means you’re not allowed to leave your old, unwanted mattress out for weekly trash pickup. For most Boston-area residents, you’ll have to schedule an appointment to get your mattress picked up and taken to a recycling center.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is expected to file an ordinance this week to give city police more power to remove tent encampments from the area known as “Mass. and Cass.” The proposal — which requires approval from the City Council — is part of Wu’s new plan to deal with homelessness, violence and drug use in the area. If passed, Wu said the changes could take as long as two months to be implemented.

Time is running out on the MBTA perk that lets riders flash their CharlieCard to use the commuter rail for free from certain Boston-area stations. MBTA officials say that this Thursday will be the last day that riders can take advantage of the benefit. Starting Friday, they’ll have to pay commuter rail fares as normal.

PSA: Don’t go to ChatGPT for information on cancer treatment. That’s the big takeaway from a new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital. WBUR’s Priyanka Dayal McCluskey reports that the study found ChatGPT’s answers were often incorrect when asked questions like “What is the treatment for breast cancer?”

P.S.— Speaking of move-in week, make sure to check out our moving-to-Boston checklist if you’re new to the city — and then sign up for our soon-to-launch newsletter with an easy-to-follow series of guides to everything Boston newcomers need to know. (If you’re someone who’s already settled in, consider forwarding this email to a new-to-Boston friend, family member or colleague who could use the free tips!)