How To Get Rid Of Your Old Mattress?

Ah, the dreaded mattress. We've all been there – wondering what to do with an old mattress or couch. Maybe it's an old, lumpy one that's been causing you back pain for weeks. Or maybe it's a stained, lice-infested one that's been in your guest room for far too long. Whatever the reason, you need to get rid of it, and fast.

How do you do it without getting caught?

​Mattress Disposal - The Art Of Timing!

When disposing of a mattress, it's important to channel your inner James Bond and pick the right moment to strike. Go incognito, scope out the area, and make your move when there's no one in sight. And if you're feeling really daring, do it while wearing a tuxedo and martini in hand - shaken, not stirred, of course.

Mattress Disposal – The Art of Logistics!

Depending on the size and weight of your mattress, getting it out of your house and into your car (if you have one) can be a Herculean feat. You might need to enlist a friend or two to help you drag it down the stairs and out the front door. And if you don't have a car, well, good luck with that.

Revenge is a Dish Best Served...on a Mattress?

Once you've got the mattress outside, it's time to figure out where to take it. The easiest option might be to dump it on someone else's property nearby. Maybe your neighbour has been giving you the stink eye lately, and this is the perfect way to get revenge. Just be sure to do it when nobody's watching, or you might end up with the police knocking on your door, or a nasty legal letter.

Bin There, Done That: Dispose of Your Mattress Like a Pro!

Another option for free mattress disposal is to put it in your wheelie bin and hope the rubbish collectors will take it away. This is risky, though, as they might not be able to lift it, or they might notice that it's not standard household waste and leave it there for you to deal with. Plus, you risk getting fined for improper disposal.

Mission Impossible - Mattress Edition: Drop Your Bedding at the Refuse Station Like a Secret Agent

If you're feeling brave, you could try dumping your old mattress or sofa at your local refuse station after hours. This is the most responsible option, as the mattress will likely be recycled or disposed of properly. However, you'll need to be careful not to get caught on camera, as this could result in fines or even legal action. 

Of course, there are other creative ways to get rid of a mattress or couch. You could try selling it on Trade Me or Facebook Marketplace but be prepared for a lowball offer (or no offers at all). Or you could try cutting it up into smaller pieces and putting it in your regular rubbish bin, but this is time-consuming and messy.

At the end of the day, the best way to get rid of an unwanted mattress is to do it responsibly. Don't just dump it on the side of the road or in someone else's backyard and make it their problem. Take the time to find a proper disposal method, even if it means a little extra work on your end. And if all else fails, just accept that you might have to pay for a professional removal service, like you can find on Ezy Peazy.

Here are some relatively easy and recommended suggestions of where to dump a mattress or sofa.

DIY

Professional mattress disposal services

Mattress donation or give away

Mattress recycling or deconstructing

Selling a mattress

Return to manufacturer warranty

1. DIY

One option is to take the mattress yourself to your local transfer station. Most cities have a station where you can dispose of large items like mattresses. However, before doing so, you will need to make sure the mattress is securely tied to your car roof or hire a trailer if you have a tow bar.

You will also need to be prepared to do some hard work hauling, transporting and unloading the mattress at the refuse station. Additionally, be aware that there may be fees involved in disposing of the mattress at the refuse station, so it is important to check beforehand.

2. Professional mattress disposal services

Another option is to use a professional disposal service like Ezy Peazy. This option is easy and convenient, as all you need to do is list your job on the website with a tentative price, then sit back and wait for the offers to come in.

Once they have, you can then choose which Tasker you want to do the job. However, when choosing a disposal service like Ezy Peazy, make sure your offer is inclusive of tip fees. Hiring a professional disposal service can be a bit more expensive than taking the mattress to a refuse station, but it saves you the hassle of doing the hauling and transporting yourself. Plus it will cost you a lot more if you have to hire a van or trailer yourself.

3. Mattress donation or give away

If your mattress is still in good condition, consider donating it to a charity or giving it away to family or friends. Charities like the Salvation Army often accept mattress donations, but it is important to check with them first to see if they have any specific requirements.

Don’t just dump it outside their doors after hours and expect them to deal with it in the morning. Getting rid of unwanted, poor quality donations costs charities in New Zealand millions of dollars every year!

4. Mattress recycling or deconstructing

If the mattress is no longer in good condition, it would be ideal if you could recycle it. Unfortunately, recycling isn’t currently available in New Zealand. However, organisations like Rebound are trying to get importers, manufacturers and retailers together to create a programme for safe mattress disposal.

In the absence of a recycling programme, you can break up the mattress yourself. This can be a time-consuming and messy process, but it is a sustainable solution. First, remove the outer fabric and foam layers of the mattress. Then, cut the springs and frame into smaller pieces that can fit in a garbage bag, wheelie bin, or take the metal to a recycling centre. Be sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear during this process, as the metal springs can be sharp and dangerous.

5. Selling a mattress

Another option is to sell the mattress on Facebook Marketplace or Trade Me. If it doesn’t sell, you can let it go for free, or a $1 reserve on Trade Me. However, it is important to remember that many people may not have roof racks or a tow bar, so transportation may be an issue.

6. Return to manufacturer warranty

Finally, check if you have a return to base warranty on your mattress. Some mattress companies offer warranties that mean they will take the mattress back when you are done with it. This is a convenient option that ensures responsible disposal.

Despite the challenge that mattress disposal presents, there are various options available across New Zealand. From taking it to a transfer station to using a professional disposal service, to donating it to charity or breaking it up yourself, the key is to find a sustainable solution that works for you. Whatever option you choose, remember to be responsible and protect the environment.