Disposing of an Old Mattress in Australia: A State-by-State Guide

Mattress disposal Australia-wide is a question that’s easy to put off and then suddenly urgent, once a new mattress is on its way. What do you actually do with the old one? Our standard delivery doesn’t include removal of old furniture, so it’s worth sorting out before your new mattress arrives, not on the day. This guide covers how mattress disposal Australia-wide actually works, state by state, so you’re not left improvising.

Why you can’t just put it in the bin

Mattresses are too large for general kerbside bins and most councils explicitly exclude them from standard collection, and illegal dumping carries real fines in every state. Australians discard an estimated 1.8 million mattresses a year, which is exactly why mattress disposal Australia-wide is getting more organised.

The bedding industry is actively working on a coordinated national response: the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC) runs a voluntary, industry-backed stewardship scheme bringing manufacturers, retailers, councils and recyclers together to build proper recycling pathways, including in regional areas currently underserved. It’s a sign the system is improving, but for now, disposal still comes down to what your local council and area offer.

Your three realistic options, almost anywhere in Australia

• Council hard waste or bulky item collection. Most local councils offer one or two free bulky waste pickups a year, book online or by phone, leave the mattress kerbside on the scheduled day. This is usually the cheapest option if you can wait for the scheduled date.
• Soft Landing, a national mattress recycler. Soft Landing is a social enterprise working with around 65 councils across NSW, Victoria, WA and the ACT, diverting thousands of tonnes of mattress waste from landfill each year and creating jobs for people who face barriers to employment. Depending on your council, collection may already be included in your rates, or available as a paid service (commonly in the $52–$80 range per item). Some areas also have drop-off points if you can transport the mattress yourself.
• A private removalist or junk collection service. Fastest option if you need the old mattress gone on a specific day and don’t want to wait for a scheduled council pickup, but typically the most expensive.

Mattress disposal Australia: state-by-state starting points

NSW, Victoria, WA and the ACT are where Soft Landing has the most direct coverage, check their site for a drop-off location near you, or ask your council whether mattress recycling is already contracted into your rates.

Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the NT generally rely more on council hard waste collections and regional recyclers rather than Soft Landing directly. Your council’s bulky waste or hard rubbish page is the right first stop, some contract a local mattress recycler even without Soft Landing’s involvement.

Rules, fees, and scheduled collection dates vary by local government area even within the same state, so treat the above as a starting point and confirm specifics with your own council before your new mattress arrives.

If the mattress is still in good condition

Donation is worth considering before recycling, but check first: many charities won’t accept mattresses at all due to hygiene regulations, and those that do usually have condition and age limits. A quick call to a local charity saves a wasted trip.

Timing it around your new mattress delivery

Book your old mattress’s collection (council or Soft Landing) before your new one is due to arrive, scheduled hard waste pickups often run weeks out, and you don’t want two mattresses taking up the room while you wait.

Frequently asked questions

Does Zentai remove my old mattress when delivering the new one?
No, our standard delivery is kerbside to ground floor or front door and doesn’t include removal of old furniture. Arrange disposal separately, ideally before your new mattress is due.

Is mattress recycling free?
It depends on your council. Some include Soft Landing collection in your rates at no extra charge; elsewhere it’s a paid service, commonly $52–$80 per item. Free council hard waste pickups are usually available once or twice a year.

Can I recycle a futon or cot mattress the same way?
Most councils and recyclers accept general mattresses and bedding, but it’s worth confirming with your specific council or recycler, as some inclusions vary by item type.

What if my council doesn’t offer any mattress collection?
Check for a Soft Landing drop-off point within reach, or search for a licensed mattress recycler or removalist in your area.