Why Proper Mattress Disposal Matters

Mattresses take up a huge amount of space in landfill.

They don’t break down easily, can create air pockets that damage landfill structure, and they often leach harmful materials into the ground.

On top of that, a typical mattress can be recycled into up to 90% reusable material—including steel, foam, and fabric.

By choosing to recycle or responsibly dispose of your mattress, you're helping to:

a. Reduce environmental pollution

b. Conserve landfill space

c. Support Australia's circular economy

d. Avoid illegal dumping fines

The Environmental Impact of Mattresses in Landfill

Dumping mattresses has far-reaching consequences:

a. Springs and metal components take decades to decompose

b. Foam and fabrics often contain chemicals that contaminate soil and groundwater

c. Illegal dumping increases public clean-up costs and harms local communities

Most of these impacts are avoidable if mattresses are collected through the right companies that ultimately have resources to dispose of it carefully. 

Recycling Mattresses in Australia: What Are Your Options?

There are several ways Australians can recycle mattresses instead of sending them to landfill:

1. Mattress Recycling Facilities

Specialist recycling services like Soft Landing operate in multiple states including NSW, WA, VIC, and ACT. They disassemble mattresses and recover:

a. Steel springs (recycled as scrap metal)

b. Foam (used for carpet underlay)

c. Timber (turned into mulch or biofuel)

d. Fabric (reused in insulation or industrial filters)

At DuuDuu, we work closely with Softlanding to ensure we reduce waste and instead recycle. 

 

2. Council Bulk Waste Collections

Most local councils offer bulk verge collections or scheduled hard waste pickup services. Many councils in Australia now request that mattresses be separated or stacked neatly to be recycled.

Check your local council’s website for:

a. Scheduled pickup dates

b. Booking requirements

c. Whether they recycle collected mattresses or send them to landfill

3. Retailer Take-Back Programs

Some mattress retailers like DuuDuu, offer a take-back service when delivering a new mattress.

This function is available at check out, click "Yes" to trade in.

This is often the easiest option—especially if you’re upgrading to a new mattress.

4. Donate If Still Usable

If your mattress is in good condition (no stains, sagging, or tears), you can donate it to:

a. The easiest option would probably be to your neighbours or close family members

b. Charities like The Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul

c. Local shelters

d. Facebook Marketplace / Gumtree (with a “free to collect” listing)

What Happens When You Recycle a Mattress?

Once a mattress is collected by a recycling facility:

a. Manual Sorting: The mattress is stripped of covers, foams, metal springs, and wood.

b. Component Separation: Each material is processed separately.

c. Material Repurposing:

Steel springs are melted down and reused.

Foam becomes carpet underlay or packaging material.

Timber is chipped for mulch or biofuel.

Textiles are shredded into industrial rags or insulation.

This entire process creates jobs and keeps useful materials in circulation.

Tips for Disposing of Mattresses Responsibly

a. Don’t leave mattresses on the kerb unless it's during council-approved hard waste collection.

b. Avoid landfill whenever possible—recycling is the better alternative.

c. Book in advance: Whether through the council or a private recycler, schedule a pick-up so the item doesn’t sit outside for weeks.

d. Prepare your mattress: Strip bedding, and if requested, wrap it in plastic for hygiene and ease of transport.

What About Other Bulk Items?

Mattresses are just one part of the bulk waste issue. Items like old bed frames, lounges, fridges, and electronics should also be recycled responsibly.

General tips:

a. Check if your council offers separate e-waste and metal collection

b. Use drop-off days hosted by local councils or transfer stations

c. Hire a licensed waste removal service if you're replacing multiple items

d. Don’t mix recyclable bulk items with general rubbish

Making a Cleaner Future One Mattress at a Time

Responsible mattress disposal is not just about convenience—it’s about sustainability.

 With easy access to recycling programs and growing environmental awareness, there’s no excuse for mattresses ending up in landfill or dumped on the street.

Next time you replace a mattress, think beyond the bedroom.

Choose to recycle, reuse, or dispose of it properly.

A cleaner Australia starts with one responsible action at a time. 

At DuuDuu we help you with this. 

*Main Photo from Soft Landing Australia