HOW TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR OLD MATTRESS
Mattresses usually last 8-10 years before they need to be replaced. Mattresses are one of the most difficult consumer products to get rid of responsibly. Maybe this is one of the main reasons that they end up on the Curb. But have you ever thought what happens to the old mattress when you leave it on the curb? The size and construction of the mattress create a major problem for the authorities.
"300,000 mattresses are sent to landfill every year in New Zealand – if stacked this pile of unwanted mattresses would reach to the edge of space! This 8100 tonnes of waste cost $14.5 million to landfill every year", says 3R Group Chief Executive Adele Rose.
So what’s the best way to get rid of your old mattress? Here are some of the suggested ways to adios your old Mattress:
Sell it:
If your Mattress is not a home to bed bugs and has no major stains or rips. You can consider to sell it for a nominal fee. Trademe or any other social media platform can help you reach potential buyers. This can be one of the most environmentally friendly options.
Donate the Mattress:
You can check with your local non-profits to see if they accept old mattresses or beds in a donation. Organizations like The Salvation Army & Red Cross have centers where you can drop your good quality old beds & Furniture that can be passed to people in need.
Consider Recycling:
If you're not able to sell or donate your mattress, then you should try to send your mattress to a recycling center. Both consumers and businesses can drop off old mattresses at these centers. Businesses can also arrange direct delivery to a local processing centre. The mattresses are dismantled into raw materials, such as steel, foam, plastic, and fabric which are either recycled or reused. The rebound mattress recycling program is a stewardship program designed to provide a simple and accessible solution enabling consumers to responsibly dispose of unwanted mattresses and bed bases.
Break It Yourself:
If you have the time, space, and tools, you can easily break a mattress or base yourself. Simply cut around the perimeter of the fabric covering and peel the cloth and foam away from the box springs and wooden frame. You can roll these materials into a compact bundle and put them in your regular trash can. Next, take a saw and cut up the frame you can then burn or turn it into wood chips. Take the box springs to a recycling center or sell them for scrap.
Re-Purposing:
An old mattress can be re-purposed which means putting it to another use. It requires creative imagination to come up with ideas on where to use the old mattress. In Australia, an enterprising group is taking the stuffing out of old mattresses, washing it, and then making punching bags using it as filling. Before you throw away your old mattress consider if you can find a new use for it.
With an estimated 300,000 mattresses and bases sent to landfill every year in New Zealand. That’s the equivalent of twenty-five 20-foot shipping containers filled with these units every single day the community needs to dispose of their old beds responsibly.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
-
41.7% Yes
-
33.5% Maybe?
-
24.8% No
Tips and advice to stay street smart this summer
Summer is finally here!
Time for BBQs, holidays, Christmas, travelling and events galore.
We've put together a whole range of tips and advice so you can put your feet up and relax this summer, knowing that it's all good in your hood.
Our first piece of advice to make your neighbourhood safer this summer, is to get to know the people who live around you! People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
Shop Safe - Preventing Fraud & Scams
You might find yourself making more purchases than usual at this time of year, and many of those might be online, so here's a set of tips and advice to make sure you stay safe and secure whilst doing your Christmas shopping this year. And remember to think about the security of your online shopping when it gets delivered!
Heading away this summer?
It's a busy time of year on new Zealand roads and everyone wants to get from A to B safely. It's also important that your home stays safe while you're away enjoying your 'home away from home'. We have put together a set of tips and advice to help make that happen!
Keeping your car, home and belongings safe
From recording valuable possessions to securing locks, keeping valuables hidden and informing trusted neighbours that you will be away, there are many things you can do to keep your car, home, and belongings safe. Here's a bunch of handy tips!
Party planning checklist and fire-wise tips
Whether it’s a small backyard gathering, or a big celebration for a special occasion, a little extra planning and consideration will go a long way in keeping you, your guests, and your neighbours happy. We also have some tips to make sure you and your families stay fire-wise during summer.
Get to know your neighbours - look out, reach out, help out
The most important action you can take to make your community safer is get to know the people who live around you. People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
It is also important to know who to contact in an emergency and when to use the non-emergency contact for NZ Police. Learn more about Neighbourhood Support, get tips on getting to know your neighbours and the best way to contact the police below.
Strong communities start with small hellos
In terms of crime prevention, your neighbours are the best and cheapest security system you can have. You don't have to love your neighbour, but at least get their number just in case!
===================================
Have a happy, safe and connected summer!
===================================
Loading…
