How To Dispose Of Furniture For Free: 6 Easy Ways
Got furniture you need to get rid of but don’t know how?
Well, you’ve got options.
I remember when my husband and I were helping my parents get rid of some of the old furniture they had for years.
At first, we weren’t sure what the most responsible option was…
But after a lot of research and a couple of phone calls later, we found a few great ways to get rid of the furniture sustainably and for free!
Here’s what we found…
TL;DR:
How To Dispose Of Furniture For Free: 6 Easy Ways
- Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
- List on Online Marketplaces
- Give It to Local Art Programs or Schools
- Using a Responsible Furniture Removal Service
- Donate to Charities, Non-Profit Organizations, or Second-Hand Stores
- Curb Alert
How To Dispose Of Furniture For Free: 6 Easy Ways
Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
One of the most eco-friendly ways to dispose of furniture is through take-back programs.
Some companies like Sabai Design will buy back furniture you previously purchased from them.
They’ll then use materials from that furniture to create new furniture, or if it is in good condition, they’ll sell it at a discounted price.
You end up with one less piece of furniture you don’t need and the manufacturer ends up with materials they can upcycle and maybe someone else can afford discounted furniture they may not have been able to otherwise.
And on top of all that, extra furniture waste is avoided!
List on Online Marketplaces
Another option is to sell your furniture on websites like eBay, Craigslist, Freecycle, or Facebook Marketplace.
Depending on your goal and the quality of the furniture, you can make a profit from this, sell it for dirt cheap, or even give it away for free.
Regardless, you end up getting rid of furniture you no longer want or need. 👍🏽
Give It to Local Art Programs or Schools
Now obviously you’re gonna want to call first but a lot of times schools and different programs will be happy to take free furniture.
Even if it’s in okay condition, students and teachers can do wonders with it.
From projects using the materials to flexible seating options in the classroom, your furniture could turn out very useful.
When I taught art, I used an old lounge chair I cleaned up from a thrift store to give students seating options in the classroom.
…And I may or may not have used it to take a nap on my lunch breaks 😅
Using a Responsible Furniture Removal Service
Some furniture removal services specialize in sustainable furniture disposal.
This is a great option if you want to get rid of furniture but you also don’t want it to just end up in a landfill somewhere.
However, finding a furniture disposal company that is committed to sustainable and low toxicity practices can be a challenge…but not impossible!
Research services and look for companies that…
- Demonstrate their commitment to sustainability on their website
- Have transparency about their disposal methods and how they recycle, resell, or dispose of furniture
- Have certifications or affiliations with environmental organizations
- Reflect their commitment in reviews and testimonials
Here are two great examples of furniture removal companies:
- Green Standards for workplace and office furniture
- CouchCycled for home furniture (specifically in the Dallas-Fort Worth area)
Donate to Charities, Non-Profit Organizations Or Second-Hand Stores
Donating your furniture is a super easy way to get rid of used furniture.
Sure there’s no profit but at least you get rid of that old couch or bedframe that’s been hanging around.
The great thing about it is that a lot of times donation sites will even send movers to you to come pick it up. So you can even donate furniture without leaving your home.
Before donating just make sure you make donation sites aware of any damages. Furniture with mold or pest problems should not be donated.
Curb Alert
Another way you could donate and get rid of used furniture is by putting it out on the curb in front of your house.
Often people will put furniture out on the curb with maybe a sign saying “free” or “take what you want” and anyone driving by could pick it up no questions asked.
The downside to this is that sometimes furniture can be damaged during this process if left out in the sun.
There’s also the problem that some trash services may pick it up thinking it’s trash which will only cause furniture to end up as waste in a landfill.
Some neighborhoods with HOAs and other local regulations restrict putting any furniture on the curb. So just be careful and consider whether or not this is allowed or even the best option for you.
So now that you know how to dispose of furniture for free, relax…
You’ve got options! Choose whichever of these 6 ways that’s best for you, and soon enough, you’ll be rid of that furniture for good!
