How to Dispose of Your Old Furniture in Chicago

Moving to a new place in Chicago? Refreshing your home decor? Or simply decluttering and realizing you have an old couch or dresser that just won’t fit your new vision? Getting rid of old furniture can feel like a daunting task, especially with bulky items. It’s not as simple as tossing it in your regular garbage bin. But don’t worry, Chicago residents, this guide is here to simplify the process for you.

We’ll walk you through all the available options for furniture disposal in Chicago, helping you choose the best, most convenient, and most responsible method for your specific needs.

Your Furniture Disposal Options in Chicago

The “right” way to dispose of your furniture in Chicago depends on a few key factors: the condition of your items, how quickly you need them gone, your budget, and your willingness to do the heavy lifting. Let’s break down your choices:

1. Utilize the City of Chicago Bulky Item Pick-Up Service

For many oversized items, including furniture and mattresses, the City of Chicago offers a free Bulky Item Pick Up Service. This is a fantastic option if your items are non-working or no longer useful.

• How to Schedule: You can request this service by calling 3-1-1. It’s the most popular residential option because it’s convenient and requires less physical effort than hauling items yourself.
• What’s Accepted: The city picks up furniture and mattresses.
• What’s NOT Accepted: Important to note, this service is not for TVs or computer equipment.
• Preparation: If you’re disposing of refrigerators and freezers (though these are appliances, they can be bulky), their doors must be removed before setting them out. Always research your local waste hauler’s bulky trash collection program before setting items curbside. In some areas, you might need to seal upholstered furnishings in plastic before collection.

2. Donate Your Gently Used Furniture

If your furniture is still in good condition, meaning it’s free of major damage, rips, stains, holes, or odors, donating is an excellent, eco-friendly way to repurpose items and help someone in need.

• Where to Donate:
  • The Salvation Army offers free pickup of furniture, appliances, and clothing in good, working condition. You can schedule a pickup and request a donation receipt for tax purposes.
  • Other organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Furniture Bank Network, and Vietnam Veterans Association also accept gently used donations.
  • Consider local schools, churches, community theaters, or even animal shelters (for softer furniture like recliners or couches).

Always call ahead before dropping off large furniture items to ensure the organization can accept them and to understand their specific guidelines. Never dump items at a donation center without permission, as this burdens the charity if they can’t accept the item. While donations are generally free, some organizations might have additional costs for collection or removal.

3. Sell or Give Away Your Furniture Online

If your furniture is in good shape and you’re not in a rush, selling or giving it away online can be a convenient and free disposal solution. This way, the buyer often handles the removal for you.

• Platforms to Use: Popular sites include Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp.
• Tips for Listing: Provide plenty of details, including measurements, and be honest about any damage. Clear, well-lit photos are essential. If you want a quick removal, consider pricing the item lower or offering it for free if the buyer picks it up.
• Garage Sales: The “age-old tradition of a yard or garage sale” is another option if your items are presentable.

4. Hire a Professional Junk Removal Service

For the ultimate convenience, especially if you have multiple pieces of broken furniture or simply need someone to do the heavy lifting for you, a professional junk removal service in chicago is an excellent choice.

• Benefits: They handle the moving and hauling on your schedule. This means you don’t have to transport items to the landfill yourself. Services like Grunber are known for their fast and flexible service, often offering same-day pickups. They emphasize responsible disposal, ensuring recyclable materials are properly sorted and processed, thereby reducing landfill waste.

Why Choose Grunber for Furniture Removal in Chicago:

• Fast & Flexible: Grunber’s technology-forward approach connects you with a qualified local driver quickly, often for same-day service.
• Trusted Professionals: All drivers are vetted and operate under Grunber’s standards, ensuring punctual and professional service. They do all the work, from lifting to hauling.
• Eco-Conscious: Grunber is committed to minimizing waste by recycling, repurposing, or donating items whenever possible, aligning with ESG best practices.
• Peace of Mind: All fees and details are upfront, making the experience transparent and stress-free.
• Local Impact: By working with local drivers, Grunber supports local economies and ensures competitive rates.

5. Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster

If you’re undertaking a larger project like a home cleanout, decluttering, or a renovation, renting a roll-off dumpster can be a convenient and affordable way to dispose of multiple heavy or bulky furniture items at once.

• Pros: You get upfront pricing and a scheduled, guaranteed pickup. You can work at your own pace, loading items directly into the bin located conveniently near your workspace.
• Cons: You have to load the dumpster yourself.
• Cost: Prices for a roll-off dumpster rental can range from $295 to $780, with a 20-yard dumpster (a popular size) averaging around $520. Exceeding your weight limit could result in an additional fee.
• Loading Tips: Walk the largest items in first and distribute them evenly throughout the container. Ensure nothing sticks over the top or hangs on the sides for a smooth pickup.
• Permits: If you plan to place the dumpster on a public sidewalk or street, you may need to obtain a permit.

6. Haul It to a Landfill or Transfer Station Yourself

If you have access to a truck or trailer and prefer to work at your own pace, you can transport your furniture directly to a local landfill or transfer station.

• Cost: This can be a low-cost option, with fees typically ranging from $10 to $50 per ton, or between $40 and $60 per ton on average. This cost doesn’t include truck rental, gas, or driving time.
• Important Checks: Always call the facility beforehand to confirm they accept furniture and to inquire about any item restrictions or fees. Some landfills charge a fee to dismantle upholstered furniture.
• Avoid Illegal Dumping: Never dispose of furniture on public property, such as parks or wildlife preserves, or on private property that isn’t your own. Illegal dumping can result in thousands of dollars in fines and harm the environment.

7. Take It to a Scrap Dealer

If your old furniture contains metal components, like bed frames or metal chairs, you might be able to recycle them at a scrap yard. Some scrap metal dealers even accept steel spring mattresses or couch springs, but you’ll need to dismantle them and remove non-metal materials first.

• Benefits: It’s a sustainable disposal option, and some scrap yards might even pay you for the material.
• Considerations: You’ll need a truck for transport, and it might require multiple trips. The nearest scrap yard could be far away. You may need to determine if the metal is ferrous or non-ferrous.

How Much Does Furniture Removal Cost in Chicago? (Average Costs)

The cost to dispose of furniture varies widely, from free options to over $1,000, depending on the method and the number/weight of items. Here’s a quick overview:

Pro-Tip for Tricky Items: Dismantle When Possible!

Taking apart bulky furniture can make the disposal process much easier. This allows you to repurpose parts, scrap metal components, or make items more manageable for transport or curbside pickup. For example, you can get rid of your couch in one piece by donating, selling online, or using a dumpster/junk removal service, or break it down for landfill or curbside disposal.

Ready to Clear Out Your Space?

No matter what kind of furniture you need to dispose of in Chicago, there’s a solution that fits your needs. From free city services to convenient professional options, you can ensure your old items are removed responsibly.

If you’re looking for the most convenient, fast, and eco-friendly furniture removal service that handles all the heavy lifting for you, Grunber is here to help. We specialize in providing hassle-free junk removal across the USA, including Chicago, ensuring your old furniture is disposed of properly, whether through recycling, donation, or responsible disposal.

Contact Grunber today to get a quote and schedule your furniture removal! You can reach us by text or call at (617)800-6746, or visit our website to learn more about our furniture removal services. We’re available Monday-Sunday, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM EST.