You know you can recycle cans, bottles, and cardboard. You can even recycle clothing and old shoes. But what about recycled furniture? Is that a thing? And, if so, how does one go about doing it?

Here’s what you need to know about the furniture recycle process, and how you can get rid of your unwanted items without sending everything to the landfill.

Is Furniture Waste Really a Problem?

Most people don’t believe that furniture waste is a big issue. Especially not when compared to plastic waste or the trash we produce in our homes and kitchens each year. As it turns out, though, furniture waste is a significant contributor to landfills.

According to the EPA, furniture accounts for more than 9.8 million tons (or 4.1 percent) of all household waste.

It is the least-recycled item in any given household. In fact, it was only 2008 that there was a recovery rate higher than 0.05 percent since the 1960s. This is a startling statistic and demonstrates precisely how wasteful we can be with our furniture and our homes.

Furniture Recycle 101

Household furniture comes in a dizzying array of materials, from metal and plastic to wood and textiles. While this makes it easy for interior decorators to find the perfect items for a home, it does throw a wrench into the disposal process. Because of this, many people choose to repair their old furniture if they can, donate it if not, and recycle it if no other options are remaining.

While many people don’t realize that furniture recycle is an option, certain types of furniture can be recycled. This ability depends on the material of the furniture (metal and leather are easiest, while wood and textiles present a more substantial challenge), and your proximity to a recycling plant.

How to Prepare Your Furniture for Recycling

Looking to turn your unwanted furniture into recycled furniture? Here’s your step-by-step guide:

1. Clean the Furniture

First things first: you’ll want to rid all personal items from the furniture you intend to recycle.

This means emptying the drawers if it’s a dresser or desk, removing cushions on couches and checking for change, receipts, and personal items, and taking off personal effects like throw pillows. This is a simple step, but a critical one.

2. Identify the Base Material

This step determines if and where you can recycle your furniture. While it can be tough to figure out what, exactly, your furniture is made of, there are a few guidelines to help you. Patio furniture, for example, is typically made from metal, while desks, tables, and bookshelves are commonly constructed from synthetic wood. Couches, meanwhile, may have a wood base and be covered in linen, cotton, or leather.

3. Contact a Scrap Dealer

If your furniture is made mostly of metal, now is the time to contact a scrap metal dealer to figure out whether or not they’ll come to pick it up and recycle it for you. While the answer may be “no,” it’s always smart to ask.

4. Head to Your Local Donation Center

If you can’t overtly recycle your furniture, you’ll want to contact a local secondhand store to figure out whether the product can be donated. If your furniture needs mild repairs, don’t be deterred. Many stores will repair and resell your items for you. You can also sell your furniture on online platforms like Craigslist and LetGo, or contact a national charity which provides furniture removal services.

5. Look for Bulk Waste Collection

If your furniture’s base material rules out recycling, and you can’t find an organization to come pick your furniture up for you, contact your community leaders about bulk waste collection. Most cities offer bulk waste pick-up for large items like unwanted furniture and appliances. Keep in mind, though, that these services often are not routine and you may need to schedule a pick-up.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

While it can be tempting to take all your unwanted furniture to the dump next time you remodel your home, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the environmental impact of that simple action.

Instead, take some time to research the recycling options around your furniture, and see if you can take it to a processor or a plant in your area. If not, there are dozens of national charities that pick up unwanted furniture.

You can also call our team!

We offer easy, fast, painless junk removal services designed to make your remodel, downsize, or move easier than ever. Contact us today to learn more.