So, you have a worn-out couch and you’re ready to replace it, but what do you do with it? Figuring out what to do with an old couch can be a challenge. Most of the time, old couches end up in a landfill, which adds to waste, while some cities are fortunate enough to allow old sofas and pieces of furniture to be left on the street where they will be handled properly.
If you’re thinking of ways to dispose of your old couch, aside from hiring a couch removal service, here are some ideas:
1. Assess the Condition
Before anything else, it’s a good idea to assess the condition of the couch to know which disposal method is best.
- Evaluate comfort and durability: If you notice that your couch cushions can no longer support you, think about whether they can be refurbished or replaced. Squeeze the cushions and padded parts of the couch. If there isn’t much resistance, then the foam has probably deteriorated, which means it should be replaced.
- Examine wear and tear: How is the fabric quality of the couch? If you see small spots or stains, try cleaning them with a stain remover. On the other hand, if the upholstery has faded, then you can still salvage the couch by having it reupholstered.
- Assess age: If you have an antique couch, it can still be refurbished because they tend to be made of high-quality materials. So, an antique couch shouldn’t necessarily be thrown away.
- Check structural integrity: Do you hear squeaks when you sit down on the couch? If that’s the case, then it’s probably because the couch structure is wearing out. When this happens, check what the frame is made of. If it’s made of sturdy hardwood, then you can still use it for many years to come. All it needs is a bit of repair.
- Check for health hazards: When was the last time you flipped your couch over and check inside? You might be surprised to see animal droppings there, or even bed bugs. Critters are good at hiding, and your soda may have become their favorite place to live in. Moreover, you should also examine the stuffing and upholstery for signs of mold and mildew.
2. Donate Your Couch
If your couch is still in good shape, then a good method to dispose of this is to donate it. Donating it to your local charity is easy on the environment; at the same time, you get to help others as well. Fortunately, there are many organizations that offer cleaning and refurbishing services for old and used furniture pieces. From there, you can give the couch to families who need them.
Should you find that your local charity doesn’t have anyone who needs a couch, then it’s likely they won’t accept it. Don’t worry, though; you can still go to other charities that may be able to accommodate your old couch.
3. Recycle
Due to the size of couches, they are usually thrown to the dump. When this happens, your couch could produce two yards of waste, and when you think about the many sofas sent to the landfill every year, you will realize how much it’s negatively affecting the environment.
In addition to that, a lot of sofas contain hazardous chemicals that can seep into the ground and contaminate the soil and water supply. Small amounts of the chemicals can make their way into food and tap water, which can result in illnesses.
Fortunately, a lot of new couches are no longer made with these chemicals, but most of the old ones that are being sent to the dump still have them.
You can prevent this from happening by recycling your couch. A lot of cities now have recycling centers, and all you need to do is pay a small fee to pick up your old couch for recycling. However, make sure that your couch is still recyclable, though. That’s why you should check with your recycling facility first before you deliver your couch to them.
4. Sell
Used couches are like used vehicles, even if they’ve been used for many years, as long as they’re still in good condition, you can still sell them. You could use the extra cash, so why not make money out of it instead of having a junk removal service take care of it?
There are many ways you can sell your used sofa, especially with the help of the internet. For one, Craigslist is one of the best places online where you can list your old couch for sale. Facebook Marketplace is also a good place to sell old furniture.
5. Give It Away
Giving your used couch away is similar to donating it, but this time, you will give it to someone you know. Ask family members or friends if they need an old couch, or perhaps, you can even give it to a neighbor or someone you think needs it.
If you don’t know anyone close to you who needs a used couch, you can try posting flyers around campuses, because a student might just need it. College students are always looking for furniture, and most of the time, they don’t really care what they look like as long as they’re free.
You might also want to keep an eye out for any community or church thrift sales where you can donate your old couch. They can use it to raise more funds.
Another thing you can do is to post a photo and description of the sofa in local Facebook groups. You might find someone there who needs it.
6. Fix It
The last option you have is to fix your couch. That is, if you don’t want to let go of it and you have some more space for it in your home. This is also the best option if you don’t feel like spending money on a new couch for now. For sure, you can find ways to fix your couch. Some quick improvements can breathe new life into your existing couch. Who knows? You might even make it look brand new!
These are the ways to dispose of an old couch. Choose the best way for you, and as much as possible prevent throwing it to the dump. You can also hire a couch removal service for this.