When it comes to getting rid of old furniture, many of us are left wondering what to do. We don’t want to spend money on expensive disposal fees, but we also don’t want to leave our furniture curbside for the trash collector. Luckily, there are several options for getting rid of old furniture for free. From curbside pickup to non-profit organizations, there are plenty of ways to responsibly and sustainably dispose of your old furniture. In this article, we will explore the different options available to you, so you can choose the best option for your needs. Whether you’re downsizing, redecorating, or just looking to get rid of some clutter, this guide will help you find the best way to dispose of your old furniture for free.
Donate It
There are several options for donating furniture. Below are the different options that you have:
Non-profit organizations
Many non-profit organizations such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore accept furniture donations. These organizations will either sell the furniture in their stores or use it to furnish homes for people in need. There may be an option for one of the non-profits to pick the furniture up from your house or apartment so you do not need to risk injury or hire a company to move it for you.
Local shelters and housing programs
Homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and transitional housing programs often accept furniture donations to furnish the homes of people who are transitioning out of homelessness or fleeing abusive situations. These shelters and programs usually work with non-profit organizations and may be able to help arrange transportation of the furniture.
Schools and community centers
Some schools and community centers may accept furniture donations for use in classrooms or public spaces. You should make sure that the furniture that you are donating is clean and free of any loose belongings before making this offer. It is becoming more rare for schools to accept items like this, but it is definitely worth reaching out.
Religious organizations
Some churches, synagogues, and mosques accept furniture donations to furnish common areas or to give to people in need.
Non-profit Furniture Banks & Furniture Donation Programs
Some non-profit organizations operate furniture banks that collect and distribute furniture to people in need and many cities have furniture donation programs that pick up furniture and distribute it to people in need, veterans, or families in transition.
Animal Shelters
Animal shelters are always looking for donations and will usually accept more worn-out chairs, loveseats, or couch cushions for the animals to curl up on. You can contact these shelters through their websites or social media pages in order to get quick responses.
Sell or Trade Your Used Furniture
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure is the perfect line to think of when getting rid of old furniture. You can list your furniture on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, 1stDibs, and many more platforms and connect with other people in your area to sell or trade your used furniture. I have sold side tables, coffee tables, couches, office desks and chairs, and more through Facebook Marketplace and have been able to recoup a lot of the money that I spent acquiring them.
When you are meeting with someone you do not know it is best to meet at a well-lit, busy area in order to ensure your safety. If possible, meet at the local police station so that you can be as safe as possible.
Junk Removal
If you are unable to donate or sell/trade your used furniture you can try to throw it out. Below are the different options that you have.
Roll-off Dumpster
Hiring a roll-off dumpster can be a great solution for getting rid of old furniture. These dumpsters come in various sizes, so it’s important to determine the amount of furniture you need to dispose of before making a decision. Once you have determined the size of the dumpster you need, you can contact a local waste management company or a dumpster rental service to schedule delivery of the roll-off dumpster. These dumpsters will cost you a daily rate, but it is a good way to get rid of a lot of used furniture and other waste.
When the roll-off dumpster is delivered, you can begin filling it with your old furniture. It’s important to note that there may be certain items that are not allowed in the dumpster, such as hazardous materials or certain types of electronics. Be sure to check with the rental company for any restrictions before filling the dumpster. Once the dumpster is full, the rental company will come and pick it up and dispose of the contents properly. This can be a convenient and efficient way to get rid of large amounts of old furniture.
Leave it on the Curb
Leaving used furniture on the curb for pickup may seem like an easy solution for getting rid of it, but it’s important to check with your local municipality before doing so. In some areas, leaving furniture on the curb is considered illegal dumping and may result in fines. Additionally, it is important to note that most curbside pickup services are not designed to handle large items such as furniture and may not pick it up. Even if they do, it might be considered as bulky waste and will be charged separately, or it might take weeks for the furniture to be picked up.
Some towns offer bulk pick-up days throughout the year that are made for throwing out items like used furniture. You can check your town’s calendar or reach out to the town hall receptionist in order to find out if this is something your town offers.
Hire a Junk Removal Service
Hiring a junk removal company is another option for getting rid of used furniture. These companies specialize in removing and disposing of various types of waste, including furniture. They can provide you with a quote and schedule a pickup time that works for you. On the day of pickup, the junk removal team will come to your location, remove the furniture from your home, and properly dispose of it. This can be a convenient option for those who don’t have the means to transport large pieces of furniture themselves, or for those who have multiple items to dispose of. Additionally, junk removal companies will typically sort and recycle as much as they can, which is a more environmentally friendly option than leaving it on the curb or sending it to a landfill.
Haul Your Furniture to the Landfill
Hauling your used furniture to the landfill by yourself can be a cost-effective option, but it’s important to keep in mind that it can be physically demanding and time-consuming. You will need to have a vehicle that is large enough to transport the furniture and the necessary tools to safely load and unload the items. Before making the trip to the landfill, you should check with the landfill facility to ensure that they accept furniture and if there are any specific requirements for disposal. Some landfills have a separate area for bulky waste, or might require it to be broken down or wrapped before disposal. Once you arrive at the landfill, you will need to unload the furniture and properly dispose of it. It is recommended to wear protective gear, gloves, and have a way to cover your vehicle if the furniture is dirty or has bugs. This option might be suitable for someone who has only a few items of furniture to dispose of and has the ability to handle it themselves.
Recycle Center
Bringing used furniture to the recycling center is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of it. Many recycling centers will accept furniture as long as it is in good condition and does not contain any hazardous materials. Before making the trip, it is important to check with the recycling center to ensure that they accept furniture and if there are any specific requirements for disposal. The recycling center might have a separate area for bulky waste, or might require it to be broken down or wrapped before disposal. Once you arrive at the recycling center, you will need to unload the furniture and properly dispose of it. Furniture that is accepted will be taken apart, and the different materials such as wood, metal, fabric, foam, and plastic will be sorted, processed, and recycled. This option is not only good for the environment, but it also helps reduce the demand for new furniture and conserves resources.