Donate, recycle, or haul away an old chair, desk, couch, or mattress — every U.S. metro covered. Free options first.
Independently funded · No manufacturer sponsorshipMost American households face the same problem on moving day: a couch, an old desk, a mattress, a chair that won't fit in the truck. The wrong move is the curb. The right move depends on three things — the item's condition, your timeline, and what your city allows.
Best for furniture in good condition. Free pickup from these national networks:
Best for damaged, oversized, or volume disposal. Same-day or next-day in most cities:
Most U.S. cities offer 1–4 bulk-trash pickups per year free with regular trash service. Search “[your city] bulk trash pickup” or check your Public Works site. Common rules:
Mattresses and box springs are recyclable in most metros — about 80% of materials by weight. Connecticut, Rhode Island, California, Oregon, and Maryland have statewide programs (search 'Bye Bye Mattress'). Scrap-metal yards take desks, chairs, and metal frames free or pay a few dollars per piece.
Donation pickup is free if the item is in good condition. Paid haul-away runs $75–$150 for a single piece and $200–$400 for full-room loads. Municipal bulk pickup is included with most residential trash service. Same-day haul-away typically costs 25–40% more than next-day.
Yes — donations to 501(c)(3) charities (Habitat ReStore, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Vietnam Veterans) are deductible at fair market value. Get a written receipt at pickup; donations over $500 require IRS Form 8283.
Two options. (1) Mattress recycling: most U.S. metros have a recycler — about 80% of mattress weight is recoverable. CT, RI, CA, OR, and MD have free statewide programs (search 'Bye Bye Mattress'). (2) Curbside bulk pickup: legal in most cities if the mattress is sealed in plastic. Drop-off at the landfill costs $15–$40.
Most cities reject hazardous waste (paint, batteries, propane), tires, electronics, refrigerators with refrigerant, and (in California) any upholstered furniture containing flame retardants. Hire a licensed hauler or use a municipal hazardous-waste drop-off day.
For donation pickup, no. For municipal bulk pickup, sometimes — check your city's rules. Cut sofas in half to fit smaller trucks; remove drawer contents from dressers; detach desk legs. Saves the hauler time and may lower your quote.
Donation > recycling > paid haul-away with diversion guarantee > municipal bulk (usually landfilled) > junk-removal without diversion. Habitat ReStore and Junkluggers publish diversion rates above 60%; 1-800-GOT-JUNK averages around 50%.
If a worn-out office chair or desk is going out the door, Ergoprise reviews ergonomic replacements that won't end up curbside in two years.