Australian Bedding Stewardship Council
The Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC) is working with manufacturers, retailers, and recyclers to move towards a circular economy for mattresses. The program is under development.
The ABSC has approved?Soft Landing Mattress Recycling?as a trusted recycler. Soft Landing is a social enterprise that collects and manually dismantles mattresses for recycling to keep the maximum amount of waste out of landfill and to create jobs for people experiencing barriers to work. Operating in NSW, ACT, Victoria and WA, the organisation has both pick-up and drop-off recycling services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I take mattresses for recycling?
Mattress recyclers are located all around Australia; however, most are in metropolitan areas. Use the directory on this page to see if there is a mattress recycler in your area.
Are mattresses recyclable?
Yes, mattresses can be recycled through specialised recyclers. Mattresses that left on the street near recycling or garbage bins will likely not be recycled. Use the information on this page to find out how to recycle your old mattress.
How are mattresses recycled?
If you’re looking to get rid of an old mattress, it’s important to do this responsibly. You cannot leave your old mattress on the side of the street (this is classified as illegal dumping) unless there’s a hard rubbish collection coming up and/or you have booked a collection with your council directly. It is important to note that not all councils recycle the mattresses they collect, so you might want to confirm directly with your council how they dispose of mattresses.
A safer option is to search for a local mattress recycler via the search bar on this page or purchase your new mattress through a manufacturer that will collect your old one for recycling. You might also like to contact your local council to see if they accept mattresses for recycling at one of their recycling facilities.
Once your mattress arrives at a recycling facility, the components are separated so as much of the mattress can be recycled as possible. Steel springs can be melted down and recycled into new steel products like roof sheeting, foam can be recycled into carpet underlay, and the textiles can be recycled into acoustic panelling, for example.
Are foam mattresses recyclable?
Foam mattresses can be recycled and turned into carpet underlay, provided you dispose of them responsibly. To find a mattress recycler near you, use the search bar above. Alternatively, you can contact your local council, as many councils accept mattresses for recycling at their recycling facilities.
Are mattress springs recyclable?
Mattress springs are made from steel, which can be recycled. When mattresses are collected by recyclers, the mattress is taken apart to separate the different components and materials. The steels springs are melted down so they can be recycled into new products, such as roof sheeting.
To ensure the valuable metals in your mattress are recycled and not sent to landfill, be sure to recycle your unwanted mattress – you can find local mattress recyclers via the search bar on this page. Alternatively, if you have only mattress springs to dispose of, these can be taken to a scrap metal recycler.
How much does it cost to recycle a mattress?
The cost of recycling mattresses varies depending on the recycler, location, and whether the mattress is being picked up or dropped off. For example, mattress recyclers Soft Landings charge between $52 to $80 per item.
