How to Get Rid of a Couch

old couch sitting next to a dumpster

Updated October 6, 2023

When it’s time to part ways with the family couch or futon, hiring a junk removal service is a quick and affordable way to get rid of your old furniture.

Simply leaving your couch curbside does not mean that your regular trash service will pick it up and can likely get you fined in many areas.

We'll go over the multiple options available when you have a couch that you need to get rid of.

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Find furniture removal in your hometown


how to get rid of a couch infographic couch sitting on curb with a free sign attached to it

If your couch is still in decent condition, an easy way to get rid of your couch is to donate it.

Some places like Goodwill and The Salvation Army still take cloth furniture depending on where you live, but it’s becoming more and more common for these large pieces of furniture to no longer be accepted at large chain donation centers.

Instead, you could make a listing on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist and offer it as a free item to any families that may be in need.

Not only can you feel good about helping out a family in your community, but having someone come to you and remove your couch requires very little effort on your part.

Read more: Donating Furniture: Giving Back to the Community Through Responsible Removal

Schedule Bulk Trash Pickup

Some municipal weekly trash pickup services offer bulk trash pickup, like furniture and appliances, if it is scheduled ahead of time, while others only offer it a few days out of the year. Not every company offers furniture removal, but double-checking with your local provider is worth a call.

If you are able to arrange a pickup, placing your couch or futon curbside with the appropriate “ticket” or “tag” that is often provided by the trash service is usually all you need to do.

You may be required to pay for this service ahead of time or you may see it on your trash service bill after the fact.

It's important to follow the proper steps required before placing your couch at the end of your driveway even if you know that curbside furniture pickup is available by your weekly trash service, as not having the proper ticket/permit could result in fines and penalties by your city.

The average cost for bulk item pickup by your weekly curbside trash service ranges between $35-$75, but could be more or less in your area.

Keep reading: How to Get the Lowest Price for Bulk Waste Pick-Up Services


Contact dumpster rental services in your area


Rent a Dumpster

roll-off dumpster full of office furniture

Renting a dumpster to throw out your couch is a great idea if you also have a lot of other unwanted items to get rid of.

Having a dumpster placed temporarily on your property is especially helpful if you’re cleaning out a whole house or living area, performing spring cleaning, and more.

If you do a house cleanout and decide to rent a dumpster, be sure to ask the rental company which items are accepted in their dumpster and be as specific as possible about the items you intend on disposing of. This will ensure you avoid getting hit with overage fees that aren’t included in your dumpster rental quote.

A 10 yard dumpster is a popular choice for homeowners that need to get rid of furniture and other household items and typically run around $250-$450 for a 5-7 day rental period.

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Hire a Junk Removal Company

One of the easiest ways to get rid of any unwanted furniture is to hire a junk removal service. Hiring a junk removal company to get rid of your old couch is affordable, fast, and requires zero labor on your end.

Junk removal costs will vary based on a variety of factors, like the amount of furniture you have to get rid of, costs of living in your area, ease of access, who you hire, and more.

With that being said, the national average cost to have a single couch hauled away by a junk removal company runs between $150-$300.

Whether you decide that renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service is the better option for your couch removal, Hometown makes it easy to find reputable, locally-owned companies in your area. 

By entering your zip code and answering a few short questions about your junk removal or dumpster rental needs, you'll be shown licensed companies that service your location.

From there, you can request free quotes, read more about each company, and read verified reviews from real customers who have hired each company. We recommend reaching out to at least three different providers for quotes to ensure you get the best price, customer service, and the availability that matches your couch removal needs.

Discuss your needs in detail with the companies you speak with and let them know about any special requests or requirements ahead of time, like if you want contactless service or have narrow stairways or entryways.

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Get free junk removal and dumpster rental quotes near you