Mattress collections

Each rateable residential property is entitled to 2 fee-based collections per financial year ($40 per mattress). 

Each booking can include a maximum of 2 innerspring mattresses.

Foam/latex mattresses cannot be recycled. Please book a hard waste collection to dispose of these.

If these entitlements have been used, please contact a Waste & Recycling Depot for disposal options.

Book a collection

Step 1.Read the terms and conditions below

Collections occur weekly.

Ensure mattresses are out by Monday of your booking week, as collections happen between Tuesday and Thursday of that week.

If items are not presented for collection, it will still count as one of your collections and any fees paid will not be reimbursed, as we are required to pay for contractors' who come to collect them.

Do not proceed with this request if you cannot place your items out for collection as specified.

Collection entitlements

Each rateable residential property is entitled to 2 fee-based collections per financial year.

If these entitlements have been used, please contact a Waste & Recycling Depot for disposal options.

Collection limits

Each booking can include a maximum of 2 innerspring mattresses.

Foam / latex mattresses cannot be recycled – please book a hard waste collection to dispose of these.

Placement for collection

Items can only be put out on the kerb the Monday of your booking, for collection between Tuesday and Thursday of that week.

If booked items are not out by the scheduled date for collection, this entitlement will be deemed used and cannot be reinstated. You will need to book a new collection date.

Any items placed out that are not eligible for collection will not be picked up and will remain your responsibility to dispose of responsibly.

Items will not be collected from private property.

Bookings

Bookings are essential. Items placed on public land without a booking, or more than 24 hours prior to a scheduled collection, are considered illegally dumped and can attract fines of up to $5000.

All items placed out on the kerbside are your responsibility until they are removed by the City of Onkaparinga.

Please note: Booking dates cannot be viewed until the booking process has been started and your address aligned with our collection sequence. Then, a selection of booking dates will be provided.

Cancellations

Bookings can be cancelled up to 5pm on the Friday prior to the week of the scheduled collection.

Cancellations in the week of the scheduled collection will be deemed used and cannot be reinstated. Please book a new collection date.

See the FAQs for the cancellation process.

Step 2.Book a collection

Book online 

We will contact you the next business day to confirm booking details.

In person: Visit our contact us page to view office locations.

Phone: Contact our Customer Relations team on 8384 0666 to arrange your booking.

Step 3.Place items out for collection

Put your mattress/es out by MONDAY of your booking week. Collections happen between Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Place mattresses upright where possible, as close to the kerb as practicable without obstructing pedestrian access.

Items will not be collected from private property.

Items placed out that are not eligible for collection as per above will not be collected and will be your responsibility to dispose of responsibly.

FAQ's

Why do I have to pay now when it was previously free?

Now, only the people who use the service will cover its cost.

Switching to a user-pays system for mattress collection and disposal changes how the service is funded. While it may have seemed like the service was free in the past, it was actually funded through general rates revenue, meaning all ratepayers contributed to its cost.

What is the cost per mattress?

The collection and disposal fee is $40 per mattress.

Does the cost change based on the size of the mattress?

No, the fee is the same for all mattress sizes.

What types of mattresses are accepted?

Only innerspring mattresses are accepted.

If you're unsure if your mattress is innerspring, make a small cut along the side and check for metal springs.

Does my ensemble base count as a mattress?

No, we cannot accept ensemble bases.

Are there other options for disposing of my mattress or ensemble base?

Yes, there are other options:

  • If buying a new mattress, ask the company you purchase from to take your old one when they deliver the new one.
  • Latex or memory foam mattresses:  Book a hard waste collection.
  • Timber bases:  Book a hard waste collection.
  • Metal bases:  Contact a scrap metal merchant.
  • Other bases:  Contact council to see if they are suitable for hard waste collection.
  • You can also use local waste disposal businesses (fees apply), some sites may not accept mattresses, so it is best to check before you go.

How do I make a booking?

You can book a collection through our website or by visiting one of our Customer Service offices.

Can I cancel my booking and rebook another date?

Yes, to cancel your booking please contact our Customer Relations team on 8384 0666 by 5pm on the Friday prior to the week of the scheduled collection.

To book another date:

Return to this webpage, then click the 'Book online’ button to start the process again.

Alternatively, you can contact our Customer Relations team on 8384 0666.

Won’t this just increase the instances of illegally dumped mattresses?

Illegal dumping has been, and continues to be, a significant problem in our city, throughout the state and across Australia. Until our community collectively deems this practice unacceptable, it will continue.

Illegal dumping costs all ratepayers. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any instances of illegal dumping to the council, providing identifying information whenever possible to help stop this behaviour.

If we have to pay why is there a limit?

The limit aims to balance providing a valuable service to residents while maintaining operational and financial sustainability, and ensuring the system is not replacing a commercial service.