Expert Tips and Techniques on How to Dispose of Furniture in NYC

Maybe you’re downsizing your furniture to make a move to a different, smaller location. Or, perhaps you’re in with the new appliances and out with the old ones. In any case, you may find yourself in a situation where you’re asking yourself how to dispose of furniture from your NYC address.

You may or may not be surprised that furniture disposal in NYC isn’t always as simple as kicking your old furnishings to the designated spot on the curb. For instance, some items can’t be recycled and some require special steps to be taken in order to dispose of them safely.

Following the city’s guidance on disposing of large items, like furniture, will help you avoid having unwanted items hang around longer than you want, hazardous situations, and fines for improper disposal. Keep reading for more details on how to get rid of old furniture.

How to get rid of old furniture

New York City is known for its stringent regulations aimed at keeping the city clean and reducing environmental impact. When it comes to furniture disposal, these rules are no exception. Being aware of and understanding these regulations is essential for any NYC resident looking to dispose of furniture. Here’s what you need to know:
You can dispose of up to 10 large (bulk) items, per collection day (if that’s the way they can be lawfully collected). All large furniture items that can be collected — from recycling to trash — must be placed in a designated area (typically a curb or alley) and not on private property or the city’s Department of Sanitation cannot collect your items. If you have a particularly large number of furniture items to get rid of, it’s wise to plan to take them to where you normally put your recycling or garbage over a few collection days.

Scheduled Bulk Item Pickup

NYC also offers scheduled pickups for large items that won’t fit in regular trash bins. You’ll need to schedule a pickup with the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) ahead of time for items like sofas, dressers, or tables. This ensures that your furniture is disposed of properly without becoming a nuisance or hazard on the streets.

There’s even more to know based on the type of furniture you’re hoping to get rid of in a proper manner.

What can be recycled

Figuring out what furniture pieces can be happily recycled in NYC can seem like a bit of a puzzle, but it’s worth the effort. Most of the time, your metal and wood furniture can take on a new life through recycling. Think of it this way: that old metal chair could be part of a brand-new sculpture or bridge, and the wooden table might end up as part of a cozy park bench or as mulch in a beautiful garden. Large items that are mostly metal or rigid plastic can be recycled. They can be placed by your designated area the night before recyclable items are picked up from where you reside. These items can include:

• Aluminum lawn furniture with plastic webbing
• Bedsprings
• Metal bed frame
• Cabinets
• Appliances
• Clothes dryers
• Crates
• Dishwashers
• Large plastic toys
• Ovens
• Paper shredders
• Porcelain-coated metal bathtubs and sinks
• Washing machines

What must be collected with the trash

Things can get a bit tricky with items like sofas or mattresses due to their mix of materials. Items in your home that are big but that aren’t made mostly of metal can’t be recycled. They can be placed by your designated area the night before trash is picked up from where you live. These furniture disposal items include:

• Arm chairs, recliners
• Furniture that isn’t mostly metal or rigid plastic
• Rugs (make sure to cut larger rugs to 4-foot widths and tied into bundles no higher than 2 feet)
• Sofas (you’ll need to remove the metal frames from sofa beds and pullouts and put with the other metal recyclables)
• Toilets
• Wood tables

Special Items, Rules, and Exceptions

In a city as big and diverse as NYC, not everything fits neatly into the ‘trash’ or ‘recycling’ bins. Beyond what can be put out with the trash or the recycling, there are a few other types of disposal procedures you’ll want to follow for specific items. We’re talking about those special items that need a little extra attention and care when it’s time to say goodbye. Whether it’s because they’re hazardous, oversized, or just plain different, here’s the lowdown on how to handle them.

Items that require a special request to be recycled

Because the following items contain chlorofluorocarbon gas (CFC, also called Freon), you must make an appointment with the Department of Sanitation to have the items picked up so they can remove the CFC safely before it’s recycled:

• Air conditioners
• Fridges and freezers (with non-flammable Freon)
• Water coolers
• Dehumidifiers

Disposing of Electronics

Electronics cannot be thrown away in the trash or put in the recycling because they contain hazardous material. Old gadgets need to be disposed of through the city’s e-waste programs to avoid harmful chemicals ending up in our environment. This includes everything from your ancient flip phone to the microwave that finally called it quits. Such items include:

• Televisions
• Computers, monitors, keyboards, mice, cables
• Laptops
• Tablets
• Electronic keyboards
• Printers
• Fax machines
• Scanners
• Video cameras
• DVD players
• Digital converter boxes
• Cable or satellite receivers
• Video game consoles
• Tablets
• Smartphones

Beyond being hazardous, it’s illegal to just throw it away or try to recycle these items. You may be subject to a $100 fine if you dispose of electronics in the trash or recycling. Proper disposal includes taking the following items to designated waste drop-off sites or SAFE disposal events in the city. If you reside in Staten Island, you can request a pick up appointment.

Oversized items

Though you may not find yourself in the situation to dispose of a furniture item that is particularly large, it’s worth knowing how to get rid of old furniturehow you might need to handle it if you do. If the item won’t fit within a typical trash collection truck, you have two options. You can break the item down so that the pieces will fit or you’ll need to hire a private furniture disposal removal service to take it away. This could include things like pianos or large-scale custom furniture pieces.

Mattress disposal protocol

One specific rule to note is the mattress disposal protocol. To curb the spread of bedbugs, all mattresses and box springs set out for disposal must be placed in a plastic bag and sealed. These protective bags are available at most hardware stores and online. Failure to comply can result in a fine, so it’s worth taking this extra step.

Bed bugs

If any of your furniture items are infested with bed bugs, you must put a sign on the item once you take it out to your designated trash area. This helps others know not to take the item and reduces the risk of others experiencing a bed bug infestation.

Alternatives to Furniture Disposal in NYC: Donate, Sell, and Repurpose

Donate your furniture

Donating your furniture is a fantastic way to give back to the community while also being kind to the planet. Many charitable organizations welcome furniture donations and often offer pick-up services, which is a great convenient option. By donating, you can help a family in need furnish their home, support nonprofit thrift stores, and reduce waste. Before donating, ensure your items are clean and in good condition. Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, and local shelters are excellent places to start.

Sell your furniture

Selling your old furniture is not only eco-friendly but can also be financially rewarding. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or AptDeco make it easier than ever to find interested buyers in your area. This option not only extends the life of your furniture but also promotes a culture of reusing. When selling, take clear photos and provide detailed descriptions to attract buyers. Remember to practice safe selling tips, such as meeting in public places or using secure payment methods.

Repurpose or upcycle furniture

Repurposing, or “upcycling,” old furniture allows you to unleash your creativity while minimizing waste. With a little imagination and some DIY skills, you can transform outdated pieces into something new and unique. An old dresser can become a kitchen island, a wooden door can turn into a headboard, and a bookshelf can be repurposed into a bar cart. There are countless tutorials online to guide you through the process. Repurposing not only gives your furniture a second chance but also adds a personal touch to your home decor.

You may need to take the lead on getting rid of some furniture items that you no longer need now or in the future. However, if what’s led you to dispose of these items is a relocation or the need to store your belongings for a period of time, Piece of Cake Moving and Storage is ready and waiting to assist you with either situation. We’re seasoned NYC moving professionals who’ve helped many New Yorkers make moves of all sizes to their new locations or put their belongings into our secure storage facilities for safekeeping. When you need experts to finish the rest of the job after getting rid of some of your furniture, let us help you put the finishing touches on the task at hand.