How to Get Rid of an Old Couch: 7 Easy & Eco-Friendly Options

In the ranking of household item sizes, sofas are definitely near the top. They take up a lot of cubic feet, and while that might not be a measurement you’re concerned about when styling your living space, it matters greatly when planning your move.

Before you fill a moving truck with a sofa that takes up a ton of room and you might not want, consider other options. We outline the choices you have, as well as show you how to get rid of an old couch to streamline your move and make room for things you do want in your new home.

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Best Ways to Get Rid of an Old Couch

One of the most convenient ways to get rid of an old sofa is to take advantage of couch disposal options in your area. Depending on the condition of your furniture, it might find a home with another family. Or, free bulk trash services might get rid of an old, worn-out couch for you. Here are the most common and easiest methods to get rid of your couch.

Donate It to a Local Charity

Knowing where to donate used furniture in your city is important when you’re decluttering before a move. Just make sure your couch is in gently used condition and isn’t broken, dirty, or infested. Options to consider for donation centers include:

• Goodwill. Goodwill locations accept donated household goods, including furniture. Search for a Goodwill location near you if you can haul your old couch to the center yourself.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Many ReStore locations pick up large items like furniture for free. You can often schedule a pickup online or by calling a local ReStore.
• The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army also offers free pickup in many locations for couches and other furniture.
• Regional or local thrift stores. Search for other thrift stores in your area and contact them about couch donations. Many stores take furniture, and they might support specific missions like local rescue squads or churches.
• Local rescue missions. City resources dedicated to helping people get back on track with life or into new homes may welcome furniture donations to assist in those efforts.

Sell It Online

You might convert your unwanted couch into some cash by selling it online. This is usually for couches that are still in good condition. Consider listing it on:

• Facebook marketplace
• Craigslist
• OfferUp

Vacuum and spot clean the couch before taking pictures in the best lighting possible. Then, list the sofa online with photographs and details about the size, condition, and features. Make it clear in your listing that someone must haul the sofa away themselves unless you plan on delivering it.

 

“Burning is not an eco-friendly couch disposal option…[m]any locations have rules against open burning or burning anything that might emit harmful fumes or create fire hazards for nearby structures.”

 

You should also follow good safety practices for selling items online. It may not be possible to meet someone in a neutral location for a couch exchange, but you can wait to invite people to your home to pick it up until you’re in the process of — or done with — moving.

Research Curbside Pickup and Bulk Trash Services

Don’t think your couch is in the right shape for donating or selling? Bulk trash pickup might be the best choice.

Many waste management services offer curbside pickup for old furniture removal periodically. Some municipalities handle bulk trash once a month, for example. Contact your waste management provider to find out when bulk trash pickup is and what you can leave at the curb, as some locations allow furniture and others don’t.

Hire a Junk Removal Service

In locations where bulk trash isn’t an option, or your waste management company is strict about what sits at the curb, paid junk removal can help. Consider this option if you have numerous bulky items to get rid of and no easy way to get them to a local dump yourself.

Junk removal for couches and other items typically costs money, but you can get quotes from several services in your area to find affordable options. Consider how those expenses might balance out savings associated with not moving that old furniture to a new home. You might also consider the peace of mind you’ll get from not having to deal with the old sofa going forward.

Repurpose or Upcycle It

If you no longer want a couch to be your living room centerpiece, but want alternatives to sending it to the landfill, consider repurposing it by making it a feature in a kids’ playroom or guest room.

You can also upcycle a sofa into several pieces. For example, you might:

• Recover cushions to create floor pillows for a family room
• Turn couch cushions into pet beds for fur babies or cushions for dog crates
• Cut your way through to the wood frame and convert it to a bench, or use the wood for other projects
• Use upholstered sofa backs as bed headboards

Things to Consider Before Disposing of Your Couch

Before parting ways with your old couch via furniture donation or other means, consider factors such as:

• Its condition. Be honest about the condition of the sofa, including cleanliness and structural integrity. Avoid donating or selling a couch in complete disrepair or one that might have pests in it.
• Environmental impacts. Many couches contain non-biodegradable materials that can release harmful chemicals as they decompose. Don’t just dump an old couch in the woods nearby.
• Local regulations. Disposal rules for bulk items like furniture vary by location. Stay up-to-date with regulations in your area by visiting local government websites or contacting local waste management providers.

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FAQs About Removing Your Old Couch

Can I leave my old couch on the curb for free?

It depends on the regulations in your locale and your waste management services. If your garbage pickup provider offers a bulk day, you may be able to put your couch at the curb for pickup then.

However, in some locations, putting large items on the road without a prior arrangement is illegal and could result in you paying fines. You may need to schedule the pickup in advance and pay a fee to have bulk trash hauled off.

How much does junk removal cost for a couch?

The average cost of paid furniture removal in the United States is $75 to $250. Costs depend on factors like the size of the couch, where you’re located, and how much other stuff you need picked up.

Is it legal to burn an old couch?

Burning is not an eco-friendly couch disposal option and may be against the law in your area. Many locations have rules against open burning or burning anything that might emit harmful fumes or create fire hazards for nearby structures.

How can I recycle my old couch?

Recycling furniture is often more complicated than dropping off cardboard or aluminum cans at a recycling center, and specifically, recycling an old couch usually involves taking the piece apart to recycle or reuse various components. Metal springs, wood, foam cushions, and even some upholstery fabric can be reused. Search for sofa recycling centers in your area to find out if this is an option for getting rid of your old couch.