How Can I Get Rid of
An Old Mattress?

From white goods to furniture, getting rid of old junk is always a problem when tenants move out. As professional bond cleaners, one of the most common issues that we find renters continually asking themselves is “How can I get rid of an old mattress”? While upgrading to a new mattress means disposing of an old one, setting it alight or abandoning it on the M5 isn’t an option. There are a surprising number of ways to deal with a pre-loved mattress, so here are our best tips for getting rid of that old coil spring.

Where do I dispose of an old mattress?

Find a mattress recycling program, return it to the manufacturer or even make some cash selling in online. Also consider hiring a skip bin, taking it to a rubbish dump or if it’s in good condition, donating it. Burning the mattress and fly-tipping are not safe or legal options.

Free mattress disposal

As the old saying goes, the best things in life are free. And if you’re wondering how to get rid of a mattress without paying a cent, here are some options that won’t cost a thing. In fact, you might even pocket a few dollars.

Recycle the mattress

Recycling your mattress is much kinder to the environment than taking it off to the tip. Mattresses are usually a composed of a combination of wood, steel, cotton, and polyurethane foam that won’t break down well, sitting in a landfill for decades.

1. Find a recycling program Although, many of the free recycling programs have since disappeared, there are still many facilities that offer an environmentally option for mattress disposal.
   
   Australia-wide
   Soft Landing
   
   Sydney
   Mattrec
   Mattress Recycler
   
   Melbourne
   Bed Collect
2. Ask when you purchase your new mattress Ask at the retail store where you purchase your new mattress if they will handle the disposal of your old one. Some mattress retailers offer this service at no extra charge when they deliver your new mattress. Many eco-friendly manufacturers even operate their own recycling programs. Contact the manufacturer to see if they recycle pre-owned mattresses or offer them for second-hand sale.
3. Book a pick-up with your local council The City of Sydney offers pick-up of mattresses, furniture, and bulk goods three times a year. Similarly, Melbourne offers hard rubbish collections. If your move isn’t in the near future and you’re able to wait, consider recycling with the city.

Donate the Mattress

1. Donate to a charity If the mattress is in excellent condition, you can get in touch with a local charity to see if the mattress meets their requirements for donation. If the charity is happy to accept the old mattress, they could have a mattress collection service, or you may need to drop it off yourself.
2. Give the mattress away The Generous and The Grateful are a Sydney based service offering old mattress pick up, providing it’s in good condition. They’ll then donate it to a family in need. The City Of Sydney council also offers to collect your old mattress for free if you’re a local Sydney resident.

Sell it on gumtree or facebook

You can also try your luck earning some cash for your old mattress by posting it for sale on Gumtree or a Facebook buy or sell group in your local area. The mattress should be in excellent condition and appropriately prepared to improve your chance of a sale.

Paid mattress disposal

If you haven’t had luck with the free options, here are our a few paid options to get rid of your old mattress and box spring.

Take the mattress to a rubbish tip

Google the details of your local rubbish dump and drop the mattress off for landfill. Each site charges a fee to dump items so call ahead to confirm the fee amount and opening hours.

Hire a skip bin

Hiring a skip bin is a smart way to get rid of your mattress and any other items you want to toss before the move. Ensure you ask the company if they do take mattresses and accept mixed loads before making a booking.

Book a rubbish removal service

If you don’t want to do the work of loading up the skip bin yourself, book a rubbish removal service to come and take the mattress away. Ask about their mattress disposal methods; some will donate to charity or recycle the mattress where possible.

How not to dispose of an old mattress

It’s essential for the environment, your health, and your wallet to dispose of old mattresses responsibly. Here’s how not to get rid of an old mattress.

Never dump the mattress illegally

Dumping the mattress out on the curb or vacant land, also known as “fly-tipping”, is not a viable option. Considered unlawful, illegal dumping in both Sydney and Melbourne attract significant fines.

Never burn the mattress

It may surprise you to know, but many mattresses are filled with toxic materials and are not environmentally friendly when burnt. The foam, synthetic latex, flame retardants and vinyl release damaging emissions into the atmosphere when set alight. For anyone nearby breathing in the fumes, they can also irritate the eye, throat, nose, cause headaches, nausea, and loss of coordination.

Wrapping up

We hope this article has given you some options with how to get rid of your old mattress. If you’re currently moving out, check out our other Q & A articles on where you can find cardboard moving boxes or how to pack for a move.