Tips on How to Get Rid of Your Old Bed & 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?
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: 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.
(Free) 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.
(Free) 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.
Be Mindful, Be Respectful, and Act Responsibly!
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 simple and recommended ways to dispose of a mattress.
1. Donate Good Conditioned Mattress to Those in Need
If your mattress is still in good condition, consider donating it to people who could really use it. Many individuals, especially new immigrants, often need basic items like mattresses urgently but may not have the funds to buy a brand-new one.
As newcomers, they typically don't have access to payment plans like 'buy now, pay later' to purchase new items in instalments. They are keen to get these essentials as quickly as possible.
Donate with Direct Home Delivery
Many people in need might not have a large car, a tow bar, or access to a trailer to transport a mattress. If you have the means, consider delivering the mattress directly to their home. It’s a simple way to declutter your space and make a difference. The effort you put in is entirely up to you.
Sell on TradeMe for Just $10!
TradeMe is a great place to sell your items, where you can list them for as little as $1. It’s a win-win – someone gets a bargain, and you free up space. But why not set the price at $10 or $20? It helps to discourage time-wasters. A small commitment makes buyers more likely to follow through and pick up the item.
Depending on your situation, don’t forget to mention whether you can deliver the item or if the buyer needs to arrange their own transport. Also, let them know if someone will be available to help load it, as a single person might struggle with a mattress, which can be heavy and bulky.
List it on Facebook Marketplace for a Bargain!
Facebook Marketplace is a fantastic place to sell your items at a low price to attract buyers. As mentioned for TradeMe, setting a price around $10 or $20 helps to deter time-wasters. A small commitment makes buyers more likely to follow through and collect the item, giving you the benefit of a clutter-free space.
In one of the images below, you can see someone offering delivery for a small fee. You might want to do the same—don’t forget to mention whether you can deliver or if the buyer needs to arrange their own transport. Also, let them know if someone will be available to help load the item, as mattresses can be heavy and bulky, and a single person might need assistance.
Tap into Local FB Groups for Interested Takers
Use local Facebook groups to reach out to people nearby who might be interested in your mattress or bed. Many people are on the lookout for free items, so this can be an effective way to find a new home for your furniture. Create an engaging post with a clear title like "Free Mattress" or "Bed Available for Free" to grab attention.
Consider using a "first come, first served" approach to streamline the process. Instead of inviting strangers into your home, you might place the item on your driveway or curbside for easy pickup. This method is simple, effective, and helps keep the process smooth and secure.
2. Donate Good Conditioned Mattress to Charities
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!
A list of orgnisations that accept mattresses in good condition:
- Check Local Op Shops: Many local op shops may accept mattresses, especially if they're in good condition.
- Contact Local Charities: Reach out to other local charities in your area that might be able to assist.
Make sure everything that you donate is in good condition. It doesn’t have to be near new or fashionable, but any furniture, clothing, or household goods you donate should be clean, unsoiled and structurally sound. If it smells, is stained or won’t survive someone using it for a few months, take it to the tip.
3. Take It to the TIP Yourself to Save Cost
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.
You can search “transfer station near me” on Google to find local options. These centres are usually run by councils or private companies. Their websites should list the prices for disposing of a mattress. Mattress often falls under ‘General Rubbish’ and each centre has a minimum charge. Some may base their fees on the size of the load, like a boot load or trailer load, or on the weight of the mattress.
The following provides a general idea of how prices are determined based on the weight of the waste:
4. Get Them Hauled Away For a Fees
For a hassle-free option, you can have your mattress professionally removed for a fee. Although it costs more, this service offers convenience and efficiency, saving you the trouble of arranging loading and drop-offs.
Put it up on Ezy Peazy to Find a Local Helper!
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.
Check out the following sources to list a mattress removal job on Ezy Peazy:
5. Mattress recycling or deconstructing
If the mattress is no longer in good condition, it would be ideal if you could recycle it. Unfortunately, as far as we know, mattress recycling is not currently available in New Zealand.
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.
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.
Some Common Questions People Ask
- How to dispose of old mattress for free
There is nothing like a ‘free’ option available to dispose an old mattress!
- Where to recycle a mattress
To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no designated locations in New Zealand where you can drop off a mattress for recycling.
- What is the cheapest way to get rid of an old mattress
Hire a local removalist through Ezy Peazy
- Can you dump mattresses at the dump station
Yes, mattresses are classified as general rubbish and can be disposed of at dump stations. The cost typically ranges from $30 to $50, depending on the mattress's weight.
- How to cut a mattress for disposal
It seems you might have some extra time on your hands! Keep in mind that cutting up a mattress can be time-consuming and messy. Alternatively, disposing of it at a transfer station might cost you around $50.
Anyway, to answer the question: 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.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various options for getting rid of your mattress, giving you plenty of flexibility. The key is to assess the condition of your mattress and choose the method that best suits your needs. Whether you donate it to those in need, work with charities, sell it, or arrange for professional removal, each option fits different situations. By considering the condition of your mattress and the requirements for each option, you can make an informed choice and ensure a smooth and responsible disposal process.
Option 1: Give It Away with Free Local Delivery
Option 2: Offer It on TradeMe for Free
Option 3: Post in Local Facebook Groups to Find Interested Takeaways
Option 4: Hire Professionals for Removal
Option 5: Dispose of at Local Transfer Stations
Option 6: Find a Local Helper via Ezy Peazy