If you’ve ever looked at an old couch or wobbly dresser and thought, “What do I even do with this thing?”, you’re not alone. Tossing old furniture might feel like the easiest option—but it’s rarely the best. Whether you’re decluttering your home, moving, or upgrading your interior, there are smarter, more eco-friendly ways to get rid of used furniture that don’t cost a fortune—or the planet.
Here’s what you need to know about recycling furniture the right way.
Why Recycling Furniture Matters
Furniture makes up a huge portion of bulky waste in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, over 12 million tons of furniture and furnishings are discarded every year in the U.S. alone. Most of it doesn’t decompose quickly. And much of it could have been reused, repurposed, or recycled.
By recycling your furniture properly, you reduce landfill waste, cut down on demand for new raw materials, and often help someone in need.
Option 1: Use a Local Furniture Recycling Service
One of the easiest and most responsible ways to handle bulky items is to contact a furniture recycling service. These companies specialize in picking up your unwanted furniture and figuring out the best place for it—whether that’s a local charity, a recycling center, or a reuse warehouse.
Services like Gone for Good do the heavy lifting for you. They sort your furniture and decide if it can be donated, resold, or recycled. In many cases, they partner with local nonprofits to give gently used items a second life.
✅ Pro tip: Some companies even offer itemized donation receipts, which can help you during tax season.
Option 2: Donate It Yourself (If It’s Still Usable)
If your furniture is still in decent condition, consider giving it away. Local donation centers like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, or your city’s thrift stores are always looking for items like dressers, chairs, and tables.
You can also use neighborhood groups like:
- Buy Nothing (Facebook or app-based)
- Craigslist Free section
- Nextdoor listings
Just be sure to check if they accept upholstered furniture or items with wear and tear—some centers have strict guidelines.
Option 3: Repurpose or Upcycle It
Got a creative streak? You can turn that old dresser into a TV stand, plant holder, or kids’ art station. A few tools, some paint, and YouTube tutorials go a long way.
Here’s a quick look at how people are upcycling old furniture:
| Old Item | Upcycled Idea |
| Coffee table | Painted bench or ottoman |
| Bookshelf | Shoe rack or bar cart |
| Wooden chair | Towel holder or plant stand |
Even if you’re not the DIY type, local artists or upcyclers on Etsy and Instagram often buy old furniture to use in their work.
Option 4: Break It Down for Recycling
If the item is beyond saving, disassemble it and recycle the parts. Wood, metal, and certain plastics can be dropped off at local recycling centers. Remove any nails, staples, or upholstery first.
Just be aware: not all recycling centers accept large furniture. Check with your local municipal waste department to see what’s accepted.
Watch Out for Dumping Fees
Some people resort to hiring a junk hauler or dragging stuff to the landfill—often without realizing the hidden costs. Dumping fees, gas, and time add up fast.
That’s why using a dedicated furniture recycling service can be both cheaper and easier. You pay one flat rate, and they handle the sorting, hauling, and donation or recycling process.
Final Thoughts
Recycling furniture doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right service—or a little creativity—you can get rid of your old stuff without adding to the landfill.
So before you curb that old couch, consider a better option. Whether you donate it, repurpose it, or let a recycling service like Gone for Good handle it for you, you’ll be doing the planet (and possibly your wallet) a favor.