Updated 31/07/2025
Getting rid of an old mattress in Melbourne might seem straightforward, but the reality is quite different. Mattress removal costs in 2025 typically range from $70 to $200 per mattress for professional pickup services, depending on your location, mattress size, and disposal method. Understanding these costs upfront can help you budget properly and choose the most suitable disposal option for your needs.
Whether you’re upgrading to a new mattress, moving house, or simply decluttering, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mattress disposal costs and options across the city in 2025.
Many residents are surprised by the expense of mattress removal, especially when compared to disposing of other household items. The reality is that properly disposing of old mattresses presents significant challenges for the recycling industry, even though mattresses contain valuable materials worth reclaiming.
The city has several mattress recycling and collection services, but the process comes at a cost due to several factors affecting the local market.
According to industry data, approximately 1.8 million mattresses are disposed of each year across Australia, with Melbourne contributing a significant portion to this figure. While mattresses contain recyclable materials like steel springs, timber, foam, and fabric, the manual dismantling process required to separate these components is labour-intensive and expensive.
Several factors contribute to higher mattress removal costs in 2025:
Labour-intensive dismantling: Unlike other recyclables, mattresses require manual separation of components rather than automated processing. This increases labour costs significantly in the competitive employment market.
Transportation challenges: Despite the city’s comprehensive road network, mattresses are bulky and awkward to handle, requiring specialised vehicles and additional workforce for safe transport across the sprawling metropolitan area.
Limited recycling facilities: While the city has better mattress recycling infrastructure than many Australian cities, facilities are still limited, meaning higher transport costs to reach processing centres from outer suburbs.
Local tipping fees: Transfer stations and recycling facilities charge substantial fees for mattress disposal, which are passed on to consumers.
Health and safety requirements: Due to potential contamination issues, strict safety protocols must be followed during collection and processing, adding to operational costs.
Understanding the various pricing structures helps you choose the most cost-effective disposal method for your situation. All prices listed below are per mattress unless otherwise specified.
Professional mattress removal companies operating locally offer convenient door-to-door service but come at a premium.
Cost per mattress for pickup services:
Local Service Providers:
Benefits vs Costs:
If you can transport your mattress yourself, local drop-off services offer significant savings.
Cost per mattress for drop-off:
Drop-off Locations:
The city’s 31 councils offer varying levels of bulk waste collection that includes mattresses, representing excellent value for ratepayers.
Cost per mattress for council services:
City of Melbourne:
Major Local Councils:
Notable Council Variations:
When purchasing a new mattress from local retailers, many offer removal of your old one as part of the delivery service.
Cost per mattress for retailer programs:
The city has made significant strides in mattress recycling infrastructure over recent years, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable waste management among Australian cities.
Modern mattress recycling involves careful dismantling to recover valuable materials:
Steel springs: Sent to local scrap metal merchants where they are melted down and used in buildings and infrastructure, vehicles, and appliances.
Timber components: Processed into woodchips at local facilities and used in the manufacture of particleboard, animal bedding, or mulch for local gardens.
Foam and padding: Recycled into carpet underlay and other applications at processing facilities.
Fabric materials: Processed for use in insulation and other applications.
Recycling mattresses provides substantial environmental benefits beyond simply diverting waste from landfill. Due to the nature of the components within mattresses, they break down very slowly (likely over 100 years).
By choosing recycling over landfill disposal, you’re helping to:
While professional removal services offer convenience, several local alternatives can help reduce or eliminate disposal costs entirely.
If your mattress is in good condition, several local charities accept mattress donations:
Local Charity Options:
Donation Requirements:
Most councils provide at least one free bulk waste collection per year for residents.
How Council Collection Works:
To access free council collection:
When purchasing a new mattress from local stores, many retailers offer removal services:
Local Retail Options:
When budgeting for mattress removal, be aware of potential additional charges that can increase your total cost significantly. These fees are typically charged per mattress and can add substantially to your bill.
Physical challenges in removing mattresses from local properties often incur surcharges:
Larger and heavier mattresses require more labour and disposal fees:
Premium pricing applies for expedited or inconvenient timing:
The Australian Bedding Stewardship Council (ABSC) represents a major step forward in creating sustainable mattress disposal solutions across the city and Australia.
Local ABSC Participation:
Under the scheme, a $10 levy per mattress is paid by participating manufacturers and importers, passed through to retailers and ultimately to consumers as a visible fee on new mattress purchases.
This levy system aims to:
You can find more information about the ABSC scheme and participating retailers on their website.
Selecting the most appropriate mattress disposal method depends on several factors including your budget, timeline, mattress condition, location within the city, and environmental priorities.
Best option: Wait for free council collection or use drop-off services
Considerations: Requires transport and may involve waiting periods
Typical cost: $0-$60 per mattress
Cost vs Benefit Analysis: Excellent value if you have suitable transport and can wait for council collection schedules. Savings of $70-$150 per mattress compared to professional pickup services make this worthwhile for patient consumers.
Best option: Professional pickup services from local companies
Considerations: Higher cost but hassle-free experience
Typical cost: $80-$180 per mattress
Cost vs Benefit Analysis: Premium pricing justified by convenience, speed, and professional handling in the city’s complex urban environment. Worth the extra cost if you value time savings and want to avoid traffic and parking challenges.
Best option: ABSC-approved recyclers operating locally
Considerations: Ensures maximum material recovery and supports sustainable employment
Typical cost: $47-$120 per mattress
Cost vs Benefit Analysis: Moderate pricing provides excellent environmental outcomes. Supporting local recycling infrastructure and social enterprises offers long-term community benefits that justify any price premium over landfill disposal.
For Urgent Removal
Best option: Same-day commercial rubbish removal services
Considerations: Highest cost but fastest service
Typical cost: $120-$250 per mattress
Cost vs Benefit Analysis: Significant premium for urgency, but essential for time-sensitive situations like property settlements, emergency moves, or lease requirements. Cost may be justified to avoid rental property penalties or other time-related expenses.
Smart planning can significantly reduce your mattress disposal expenses:
Timing Strategies
As residents become increasingly environmentally conscious, the importance of responsible mattress disposal continues to grow. The city’s position as Australia’s sustainable living capital drives innovation in waste management solutions.
Local researchers and the ABSC are developing fully recyclable bed bases made from recycled polypropylene that “click together” like building blocks. These innovations promise to reduce future disposal costs and environmental impact for local consumers.
The city continues to expand its mattress recycling infrastructure with support from the ABSC’s $937,700 grant through the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund.
Future developments include:
Understanding mattress removal costs in 2025 helps you make the best choice for your situation and budget. Whether you opt for free council collection, affordable drop-off services, or convenient professional pickup, the key is planning ahead and choosing services that align with your environmental values and lifestyle.
Bottom line: Professional mattress removal typically costs between $70-$200 per mattress in 2025, but free and low-cost alternatives are available with proper planning. By choosing recycling over landfill disposal, you’re supporting the city’s environmental sustainability goals while often accessing competitive pricing through established ABSC-approved recycling programs.
Remember to factor in any additional charges for access difficulties, size premiums, or urgent collection when budgeting for mattress disposal. With the right approach, you can dispose of your old mattress responsibly without breaking the bank.
For the most current pricing and service availability in your area, contact your local council and approved recyclers directly, as costs and services continue to evolve with the city’s expanding recycling infrastructure. You can find recycling options near you using Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You service.
How much does it cost to remove a mattress in Melbourne?
Mattress removal costs vary by service type and location. Professional pickup services typically cost $70-$200 per mattress, while drop-off services range from $47-$80 per mattress. Council collections are often free annually but may cost $40-$120 per mattress for additional pickups. CBD and inner suburbs may have higher access charges due to parking restrictions.
Do mattress removal services charge per mattress or per service call?
Most mattress removal services charge per mattress, not per service call. For example, if you have two queen mattresses removed from your home, you’ll pay twice the single mattress rate. However, many companies offer discounts of 15-25% for additional mattresses collected during the same visit.
What’s the cheapest way to dispose of a mattress?
The cheapest option is usually your council’s free annual bulk waste collection, costing $0 per mattress. City residents get one free cubic metre collection annually. If this isn’t available, drop-off services at facilities like Dynon Road Waste and Recycling Centre cost $30-$60 per mattress.
Which councils offer free mattress collection?
Most councils offer free annual hard waste collections that include mattresses:
Are larger mattresses more expensive to remove?
Yes, larger mattresses cost more to remove. King and super king mattresses typically incur a 25-40% premium per mattress over standard double/queen pricing. This is due to higher tipping fees, increased labour requirements, and greater difficulty in handling within apartment buildings and narrow streets.
Can I get same-day mattress removal?
Same-day removal is available from most professional services but comes with a significant premium—usually 50-100% extra per mattress. Standard booking typically costs $80-$160 per mattress, while same-day service can cost $120-$300 per mattress depending on your suburb and the company.
Do mattress removal companies recycle or just dump in landfill?
This varies significantly by provider. ABSC-approved recyclers guarantee proper recycling with up to 75% material recovery per mattress. Many council collections and some commercial services still send mattresses to landfill. Always ask about disposal methods before booking—reputable recyclers will be transparent about their processes.
What additional charges should I expect?
Common additional charges include: apartment building access ($15-$35 per mattress), stair access in terraces ($25-$60 per mattress per flight), difficult property access ($20-$40 per mattress), weekend/evening pickup ($30-$70 per mattress), and CBD parking restrictions may incur additional fees.
Can I remove a mattress myself to save money?
Yes, DIY removal can save $50-$150 per mattress in labour costs. You’ll still pay disposal fees of $30-$80 per mattress at recycling facilities. However, you’ll need suitable transport and must navigate traffic and parking restrictions. Consider whether the savings justify the time and effort required, especially given the city’s congested roads.
Where can I drop off a mattress?
Main drop-off locations:
You can find recycling facilities near your location using Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You service.
How far in advance do I need to book mattress removal?
Professional pickup services often offer next-day service, while council collections may require 2-4 weeks advance booking. During peak moving seasons (December-February), book 1-2 weeks ahead for professional services. Emergency same-day services are available but at premium pricing.
What’s the difference between ABSC-approved and other recyclers?
ABSC-approved recyclers meet strict environmental and safety standards, guaranteeing proper recycling processes and typically achieving 70-75% material recovery per mattress. They often cost slightly more ($10-$30 per mattress) but provide verified environmental outcomes and support for disadvantaged employment programs. You can find ABSC-approved recyclers on their website.
Can I negotiate mattress removal prices?
Pricing is often negotiable for multiple mattresses or when combined with other services. For 3+ mattresses, request bulk pricing discounts of 20-30% per mattress from providers. If you’re flexible on timing, ask about off-peak rates. However, council fees and ABSC-approved recycler rates are usually fixed.
Do I need to bag my mattress for collection?
Many services require mattresses to be sealed in plastic bags for health and safety reasons, particularly council collections. Bags typically cost $10-$20 each and must fully enclose the mattress. Some professional services provide bags as part of their service, while others charge separately. Check requirements when booking with your provider.
What happens to my mattress after it’s collected?
Recycled mattresses are manually dismantled to separate steel springs (sent to local scrap metal dealers), timber (processed into woodchips for local applications), foam (recycled into carpet underlay), and fabrics (used in insulation). Non-recycled mattresses typically go to local landfills where they can take 100+ years to decompose.
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