An old couch is challenging to get rid of unless you have a truck and know what you’re doing. It’s bulky and heavy, and you’re not quite sure whether you can send it to the nearest landfill.
Before driving to the nearest garbage disposal area, think about how your actions can impact the environment. Besides, what you consider trash may be a treasure to someone else. Instead of throwing it away, study the following options:
1. Hire Junk Removal Services
If you don’t know how to dispose of an old couch properly, consider hiring professional rubbish removal companies. These experts are licensed and trained to handle all types of garbage, regardless of the size and shape. They’re also well-informed of the rules of proper disposal imposed by communities and local governments. Don’t hesitate to read more about how garbage removal services can help you manage your trash at home.
Make sure that the company and its employees have the proper licenses, accreditations, and insurance. Garbage hauling can be dangerous, so check whether the company has complete resources and pieces of equipment.
2. Donate To Charities Or Nonprofits
Multiple charity groups and nonprofit organizations are ready to accept any form of donations. Shelters run by private entities such as those for the homeless and survivors of domestic abuse can also benefit from this hand-me-down.
So, drive to the nearest center to drop the couch off alongside other items. In most cases, these groups are happy to pick your donations up from your residence. Remember to share your blessings as cash and in-kind donations are tax-deductible.
3. Revive And Upcycle
There are numerous ways to give new life to your sofa. For example, you can upgrade your sofa cover, repaint the edges, get re-upholstery, or redesign it. Revive your sad, old couch by performing the following:
- Purchase new fabric, velvet, or leather cover
- Apply a fresh coat of paint
- Add tufted cushions for an elegant look
- Make some throw pillows
As long as your sofa’s frame remains sturdy and depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you can do anything to make your couch look new once again.
4. Swap For Other Stuff
Search for online groups in your community that accept bartering. Being an ancient practice, this activity is regaining its popularity especially among people who don’t have the cash to purchase costly items.
Swapping items is an excellent way to get rid of the things you don’t need and get something you can use—without spending a dime. For instance, if you need a new oven, offer your couch to someone who’s also willing to trade their kitchen appliance for it.
5. Sell It
Pieces of furniture may not be one of the most toxic pollutants in landfills. Still, it’s in your best interests to withhold throwing used furniture to reduce environmental damage. Sell your couch to interested buyers if you want to make some money out of it. Several channels are available to sell your so-called trash.
Offer the sofa online or through in-person transactions like a yard sale. Most buyers are willing to pick them up from your place, but be clear about this in your post to avoid potential problems. Additionally, look for a thrift store and second-hand shops willing to accept your couch if you don’t have the patience and resources to fix it.
6. Trade For A New One
Some stores are willing to take your old sofa if you’re buying a set of living room couches from them. In some instances, the furniture shop may even offer discounts if you agree to this arrangement.
These stores may redesign or upgrade your piece and resell it at a higher cost. Others may take it apart and recycle valuable raw materials such as metal, wood, and synthetic fibers as an environment-friendly practice.
7. Ask The City For Help
If you can’t revive your couch or don’t want to go through the hassle of offering it to someone else, you have no other choice but to throw it away. Do this in line with the applicable regulations, though. Local communities and cities have proper trash disposal procedures that you may not be aware of, so contact the authorities for advice. Most cities have waste disposal services for bulky items so ask how you can avail yourself.
Bottom Line
The easiest way to get rid of your old couch is to throw it away. Sadly, the world’s landfills are running out of space, and this universally worsening problem seems to have no end in sight. Instead of throwing away used furniture, consider performing any of the steps discussed above to preserve the environment and help those in need.