How to Get Rid of Couches in Chicagoland

Getting Rid of an Old Couch is a Common Dilemma

At some point, we all face the challenge of figuring out how to get rid of an old couch. Whether you’re upgrading to a new sectional, downsizing your furniture, or simply replacing a worn-out sofa, moving a couch is no easy task. They’re heavy, awkward to maneuver, and not something you can just toss in the trash.

In Chicagoland, couch disposal is even trickier. Many cities have restrictions on bulk furniture pickup, and leaving a couch out on the curb could lead to fines. Even if you manage to haul it outside, not all waste companies will take it.

So, what are your options? Whether you want to donate, recycle, sell, or dispose of your couch properly, this guide will walk you through how to get rid of couches in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Option 1: Curbside Pickup & Bulk Waste Disposal

Does the City of Chicago Pick Up Couches?

Yes, but not in the way you might expect. Unlike smaller household trash, large furniture like couches aren’t picked up with regular garbage service. The City of Chicago provides bulk pickup, but you must schedule it in advance through 311 or the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation.

Here’s how it works:

1. Call 311 or visit the city’s website to request a bulk pickup.
2. Place your couch outside in a designated pickup area on the scheduled day.
3. Follow neighborhood-specific guidelines to avoid fines for improper disposal.

Suburban Bulk Trash Pickup

If you live in the suburbs, your city or waste management provider may have its own bulk item pickup schedule. Some towns allow one free bulk pickup per month, while others require stickers or extra fees for large furniture removal.

Check with your local waste management company to see:

• If bulk pickup is available in your area.
• If you need to schedule the pickup in advance.
• If there are any additional disposal fees.

Curbside pickup works best if:

• Your city offers free bulk furniture pickup.
• Your couch is too damaged to be donated or sold.
• You can wait for the next scheduled pickup date.

If your town doesn’t offer bulk couch pickup or you need it gone immediately, consider alternative disposal methods.

Option 2: Donate Your Couch to a Local Charity

Can You Donate a Couch in Chicagoland?

If your couch is still in decent shape, donating it can be a great way to give back to the community while keeping it out of a landfill. Many organizations in Chicago accept gently used furniture and will even pick it up for free.

Where to Donate a Couch in Chicago

1. Habitat for Humanity Stores

• Accepts couches in good condition for resale.
• Proceeds go toward affordable housing projects.
• Pickup service available in many areas.

2. Salvation Army

• Offers free couch pickup for donations.
• Helps provide furniture to families in need.

3. Chicago Furniture Bank

• Specializes in helping low-income families furnish their homes.
• Accepts clean, functional furniture for redistribution.

4. Goodwill

• Some locations accept furniture donations, but availability varies.
• Call ahead to confirm acceptance.

What Condition Does a Couch Need to Be In?

Most donation centers will only accept couches that are:

• Free from rips, stains, or pet damage.
• Structurally intact with no broken parts.
• Free of strong odors, bedbugs, or mold.

Donating is an easy and responsible way to get rid of an unwanted couch while helping someone in need.

Option 3: Recycling Your Couch

If your couch is damaged or too old to donate, recycling is the next best option. Many furniture pieces contain recyclable materials like wood, metal, and fabric, but not all recycling centers accept couches.

Where to Recycle a Couch in Chicagoland

• Chicago Drop-Off Recycling Centers: Some locations accept furniture, but call ahead to confirm availability.

• Private Recycling Services: Companies like LRS Recycling and Groot Industries offer couch recycling for a fee.
• Junk Removal Services: Some providers recycle salvageable materials instead of dumping them.

Breaking Down a Couch for Recycling

If you’re handy, you can disassemble the couch yourself and recycle the components separately:

• Remove wooden frames and take them to a lumber recycling center.
• Separate metal springs and bring them to a scrap yard.
• Dispose of foam cushions at specialized recycling facilities.

Recycling ensures your old couch doesn’t contribute to landfill waste, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Option 4: Hiring a Couch Removal Service

If you don’t have time to deal with disposal logistics, hiring a professional furniture removal service is the easiest way to get rid of your couch quickly.

Why Use a Couch Removal Service?

• No heavy lifting required – They do all the work.
• Same-day or scheduled pickup – No waiting for bulk trash days.
• Eco-friendly disposal – Many services donate or recycle furniture.

How Joey’s Movers Can Help

Joey’s Movers provides fast and reliable couch removal services across Chicagoland. Whether you need single-item pickup or full furniture removal, we ensure your couch is disposed of properly.

Our Process

1. Schedule a pickup – Call (847) 674-7779 or book online for a fast quote.
2. We remove your couch – Our team arrives, handles all heavy lifting, and hauls it away.
3. Eco-friendly disposal – We prioritize donation and recycling whenever possible.

If you need immediate couch removal, Joey’s Movers makes the process simple and stress-free.

Option 5: Selling or Giving Away Your Couch

If your couch is still in good condition, you may be able to sell or give it away online.

Best Platforms to Sell or Give Away a Couch

• Facebook Marketplace – Popular for selling used furniture.
• Craigslist – List your couch for free pickup or at a low price.
• OfferUp – A mobile-friendly way to sell used items locally.
• Freecycle Chicago – A community for giving away unwanted items.

Best Practices for Selling a Couch

• Take clear, well-lit photos showing the full couch.
• List dimensions so buyers know if it will fit.
• Be honest about its condition and pickup requirements.

Selling is a great way to make a little extra cash, while giving it away ensures someone else gets a free, usable couch.

The Best Way to Get Rid of Your Couch

No matter which option you choose, Joey’s Movers is here to help.

Schedule Your Couch Removal Today

Need fast couch removal in Chicagoland? Contact Joey’s Movers for same-day and scheduled pickups. Call us at (847) 674-7779 or book your couch pickup today!