We often get bored looking at the appearance of old furniture at home because new styles and designs are introduced every year. New trending designs make the old design obsolete. Sometimes, old furniture also loses its functionality with time. Due to these reasons many homeowners plan to discard the old furniture to get a new one. However, the primary concern is how and where to dump old furniture?
There are multiple disposal options for unwanted furniture such as donation, resell, leaving at curbside, taking it to the landfill, seeking help from junk removal service, recycling or repurposing.
In this blog you will understand eco-friendly options of where and how to dump old furniture. From disposal to repurpose, this blog has covered it all.
Rules and Regulations for Old Furniture Disposal
It is important to know the disposal rules and laws of your city before exploring dumping options. This will help you understand how you can dispose of your old furniture legally without paying fines and penalties.
No Furniture at Curbside
Make sure not to leave any furniture on the street side if not scheduled for pick up. It can hinder the traffic and can damage public property.
Fine and Penalty
Items kept at the wrong place will be considered “unserviceable” by the Department of Sanitation (DSNY). In such a case, your furniture will not be collected and you may be fined up to $100.
Schedule Pick Up Items
As per the rules, keep the bulky furniture and metal items out between 6 PM and midnight, the night before scheduled collection day. This will help in saving time on the day of collection and avoid last minute hassle.
Check With the Local Collection Schedule
Before keeping your large items, regular garbage, or old furniture at the roadside, make sure to check the local pick-up schedule. The best way to check the garbage pick-up time in your area is to enter your address in the search bar. It will give the exact time to drop regular garbage and big items like furniture in your locality.
What Are the Options for Dumping Old Furniture?
Donation
Donation is one of the best ways to dispose of furniture. This will not only benefit you and the needy people, but also reduce waste. Many non-profit organizations in America provide the free pick-up service for used furniture to help residents donate large items easily. It is suggested to donate only those items which are in good condition so that it can be reused for a long time.
Leave at Curbside
If the furniture is too old with major damages like holes, stains or odors and not in a usable condition anymore, it is better to put it to the curb. However, not every item can be kept at the curb. The local garbage pick up services have a set of protocols regarding what kind of furniture can be picked. Hence, it’s advisable to contact them for clarity on the items.
Dispose at Landfill/Recycling Centre/Scrap Dealers
In many places, it’s not allowed to keep the furniture at the curbside as per the community guidelines. In such a case, you can check out the nearest landfill, recycling center, or scrap dealer to dump the old furniture pieces. Always inform the landfill or recycling center beforehand to allow them to prepare to accept the furniture.
Sell the Furniture Online
If the furniture is in a good condition with a long lifespan but you are bored of using it, selling it online can be an ideal option. There are free platforms like social media, community message boards and advertisement websites to sell furniture. This will help you make money and create open space in the house.
Repurpose
If you want to dispose of your furniture because of its old appearance or minor damage, then reuse them, rather than disposing. There are multiple DIY solutions available to fix minor damage and reuse furniture. You can also change the old appearance into a new one by painting and polishing the furniture. For example, a set of old end tables can be used as an entertainment stand.
Recycle
Some components of disposable furniture are in good condition and can be given to recycling centers.
Seek Assistance From Junk Removal Service
People often don’t have personal transportation and face difficulty in disposing of furniture on their own. If you are one of them, reach out to the experts of junk removal services or companies who help in moving heavy items safely. They are well aware of rules and can help in handling complexities in the process of disposal.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to dump old furniture, if you are aware of the rules and different options available. Proper dumping will not only help you, but the needy people as well. It will also reduce the carbon footprint on the earth. The alternatives discussed in the articles are the sustainable options. Despite all the options given in the article, you are unable to manage the disposal, consult a professional.
