What is the most eco-friendly way to get rid of furniture in NYC?

Donate usable pieces to local charities, recycle the frame and materials when donation is not an option, and use an eco-friendly junk removal service to handle both in one visit. 

It can be tricky to get rid of old items in New York City. Since you’re going through the effort in the first place, it helps to know you’re at least doing it in an eco-friendly way. The good news is that you have a lot of options.

If your furniture is structurally sound and in decent shape, donation keeps it in use and out of the waste stream. Local charities across the five boroughs accept sofas, dining sets, dressers, bed frames, and other furniture, though many have pickup restrictions and limited scheduling availability.

Curbside disposal through the NYC Department of Sanitation is the default option for many residents, but it is not eco-friendly. Most curbside furniture goes to a transfer station and then to a landfill. Mattresses require bagging. Electronics and appliances with refrigerants are prohibited from curbside entirely, and improper set-out can result in a DSNY fine. 

The Junkluggers of New York City is an eco-friendly alternative that can take care of the full process for you. The crew can pick up furniture from any floor, including walk-ups, and sort every load after pickup. Items in donatable condition are routed to local charity partners. Recyclable materials are separated and sent to the appropriate facilities. Only items with no viable second life go to responsible disposal. 

The Junkluggers has a goal of 100% landfill diversion. That means that if it can be kept out of a landfill, it will be kept out of a landfill, with donation and recycling being the preferred options, in that order. All applicable donation receipts will be provided for items donated on your behalf. 

Book your free on-site estimate online or call 1-800-LUG-JUNK. The Junkluggers of New York City serves: Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.