To get rid of bedroom furniture, consider donating to charities, selling online, recycling, or using junk removal services for responsible disposal. For pieces like beds and dressers, repurposing or professional removal services are viable options.
Discover more sustainable and creative disposal methods on how to get rid of your bedroom furniture in this guide.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Disposal Options
There are several eco-friendly ways to dispose of bedroom furniture:
- Donating to organizations like Salvation Army, Goodwill, or Habitat for Humanity is a viable option for furniture in good condition.
- Selling via platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist can be effective, especially for pieces in good to excellent condition.
- Recycling is encouraged, especially in cities with recycling programs. Tools like Earth911’s locator can assist in finding suitable recycling centers.
- Junk removal services like us at EZ CleanUp offer a convenient way to dispose of furniture, ensuring proper breakdown and disposal.
According to the EPA, Americans annually discard over 12 million tons of furniture, with only a small portion being recycled. This leads to 9 million tons ending up in landfills, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable disposal methods.
Before deciding on disposal, evaluate the furniture’s condition. Consider factors like comfort, structural integrity, and the quality of the fabric. If the wear is minor, consider other options than disposal.
Challenges in Furniture Recycling
Recycling furniture is challenging due to the diverse materials used. Many pieces, particularly those made of wood, are treated with paint or varnish, making them unsuitable for composting.
Currently, there are no states in the U.S. that mandate furniture recycling, although some have initiated mattress recycling programs. This lack of standardized requirements underscores the importance of individual responsibility in choosing sustainable disposal methods.
Now let’s discuss your options for what to do with each type of bedroom furniture.
Getting Rid of Beds
Getting rid of beds in an eco-friendly and charitable manner involves several effective strategies:
Donating Beds to Charities
Organizations like Household Goods provide gently used household items, including mattresses and bed frames, to individuals and families in need. They cater to a variety of people, including the recently homeless, veterans, victims of domestic violence, and those living with disabilities or illnesses.
It’s important to ensure that the mattresses are clean and in good condition, as charities usually have guidelines for the items they accept.
Selling Beds Online or at Garage Sales
For beds that are still in good condition, selling them online or at garage sales can be a viable option. This not only extends the life of the bed but also provides an opportunity for someone else to use it at a more affordable price.
Recycling Beds and Mattresses
While recycling beds and mattresses can be challenging due to the variety of materials used, there are specific programs and facilities that cater to this need. For instance, the Furniture Bank Network is a collection of charitable and non-profit organizations that accept gently used furniture, including mattresses.
Disposing of Dressers
Aside from disposal, there are creative and sustainable ways to give old dressers a new lease on life.
Options for Upcycling Dressers
Here are some imaginative ideas for upcycling dressers:
- Bathroom Vanity Conversion: Transform a dresser into a chic and functional bathroom vanity. This involves modifying the top to accommodate a sink and plumbing, and potentially updating the hardware for a fresh look.
- Home Office Printer Station: Convert a dresser into a practical printer station for your home office. This can include redesigning drawers for paper storage and creating space on top for the printer and other office supplies.
- Unique Storage Cabinet: Repurpose a dresser into a unique storage cabinet, which can be used in various rooms for organizing household items, linens, or even pantry goods.
- Farmhouse Pantry: Turn a dresser into a farmhouse-style pantry, perfect for storing kitchen essentials. This can involve painting it in a rustic style and altering the drawers for more convenient storage.
- Baby Changing Table: Modify a dresser into a convenient changing table for babies. This typically includes adding a secure changing pad on top and organizing the drawers for easy access to baby supplies.
- Bookshelf: Convert the drawers of a dresser into a bookshelf. This unique transformation can create a cozy reading nook and a new way to display your favorite books.
- Cozy Bench: Transform the dresser into a cozy bench suitable for indoor or outdoor use. This involves reinforcing the structure for seating and adding cushions for comfort.
Finding Local Furniture Disposal Services
If you decide not to upcycle, you can look for local furniture disposal services. Many communities offer services for large item pickup, and some charities or non-profit organizations might take your dresser off your hands.
Dresser Donation Guidelines
When donating a dresser, it’s important to ensure it’s in good condition. Charities typically accept dressers that are clean, not broken, and have minimal wear and tear. If the dresser cannot be used by someone else, it might be better suited for recycling or upcycling.
Disposal of Wardrobes and Armoires
Dispose of wardrobes and armoires responsibly and efficiently by following a few simple steps.
Breaking Down Wardrobes for Easier Disposal
Dismantling a wardrobe makes it easier to recycle the wood and metal components. The process involves a few steps:
- Remove the doors, typically attached by two metal hinges and secured by screws.
- Lift away any shelving and drawers. Shelves usually aren’t secured with screws or nails and can be lifted straight out. If there are drawers, unscrew the drawer runners from the side panels.
- Remove the clothes rail by taking off the support brackets on either side.
- Detach the top and bottom of the wardrobe, as they are typically connected with dowel joints.
- Finally, detach the side panels, which may be secured with dowel joints or small nails.
This process makes it easier to manage the disposal of your wardrobe, whether you choose to recycle the materials or use them for DIY projects at home.
Selling Wardrobes for Reuse
If your wardrobe is still in good condition, consider selling it. You can list it on online marketplaces or hold a garage sale. It’s a sustainable way to get rid of unwanted furniture while also possibly making some money.
Eco-Friendly Disposal Options for Wardrobes
Furniture like wardrobes can be taken apart for recyclable materials such as wood, metal parts, foam, fibers, and fabric. However, if dismantling and recycling seem daunting, services like ours at EZ CleanUp offer furniture removal and ensure eco-friendly disposal. We handle the heavy lifting and make sure your furniture is donated, recycled, or disposed of responsibly.
Nightstands and Side Tables Removal
Nightstands and side tables can be removed or repurposed creatively, providing both practical and aesthetic benefits to your home.
Repurposing Nightstands for Other Uses
Nightstands offer a wealth of creative repurposing possibilities, including the following:
- Unique Bar Cart: An old nightstand can be transformed into a unique bar cart, adding a functional and stylish element to your living or dining area.
- Vintage Trunk Nightstand: Convert a nightstand into a vintage trunk nightstand, which can add a classic and nostalgic feel to your bedroom decor.
- Pet Bed: Repurpose a nightstand into a cozy pet bed, providing a comfortable and dedicated space for your furry friend.
- Stylish Ladder Stand: Turn a nightstand into a stylish ladder stand, which can serve as a decorative piece or as a practical storage solution.
- Upcycled Table Nightstand: Create an upcycled table nightstand by cutting an old table in half and attaching it to the wall, offering a modern and space-saving bedside option.
Donating to Thrift Stores or Non-Profits
If repurposing isn’t your thing, consider donating your nightstands to local thrift stores or non-profit organizations. These entities often accept furniture donations and put them to good use in the community. When donating, ensure the nightstand is in a usable condition and free from major damages.
Guidelines for Curbside Disposal
For curbside disposal, it’s essential to follow local guidelines. Most cities have specific bulk pickup days for larger items like furniture. Make sure to place the nightstand correctly on the curb and ensure it adheres to the community’s disposal rules. It’s also wise to check if your locality requires any special preparation for furniture disposal, such as removing drawers or securing loose parts.
Proper Disposal of Vanities and Mirrors
Disposing of vanities and mirrors requires careful consideration to ensure safety and environmental responsibility.
Safe Disposal of Glass and Mirrors
Disposing of large mirrors safely is crucial to preventing accidents and environmental harm. For whole mirrors, the process involves taping the mirror to prevent shattering, wrapping it in bubble wrap or a padded blanket, and marking it as fragile for trash collection.
Place broken mirrors in thick, contractor-style trash bags, clearly labeled as broken glass. Mirrors cannot typically be recycled due to their coating and construction, so they should be disposed of with regular trash. If you have a large mirror, consider asking for help to manage its weight and size during disposal.
Recycling Options for Vanities
Vanities, unlike mirrors, can often be recycled, depending on their material. For example, vanities made of wood or metal can usually be taken to local recycling centers. Before recycling, it’s advisable to dismantle the vanity into smaller parts. If the vanity is made of a mix of materials, it might require separation before recycling. For large quantities of material, junk removal services like EZ CleanUp can assist in proper disposal and recycling.
Creative Reuse Ideas for Old Vanities
If your vanity is still in decent condition but no longer needed, consider upcycling or repurposing it. There are numerous creative ways to give an old vanity a new life. For instance, you can transform it into a desk, a craft station, or even a unique bathroom sink stand.
Upcycling not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your home decor. Websites like Pinterest and DIY blogs can provide inspiration and tutorials for these projects.
Getting Rid of Bookshelves and Storage Units
Removing bookshelves and storage units involves several eco-friendly options, from recycling and donating to creative DIY projects.
Dismantling Bookshelves for Recycling
Your regular paper recycling program can recycle paperback books and magazines. For hardcover books, you should remove their covers before recycling. You can take apart and recycle the remaining parts of the bookshelves, which are typically made of wood or metal.
Options for Donating to Schools or Libraries
Donating your bookshelves to schools, libraries, or local charities is a great way to repurpose them. These organizations often appreciate the additional storage space for books and other materials. Before donating, ensure the bookshelves are in good condition. You can contact local schools, libraries, or non-profit organizations to inquire about their need for bookshelves.
Creative DIY Projects Using Old Bookshelves
If you’re into DIY projects, there are many creative ways to repurpose old bookshelves. Some ideas include transforming them into a stylish home office desk, a unique display unit, or even a cozy reading nook.
Other innovative projects can turn bookshelves into art pieces, like a tree bookshelf that doubles as a room’s focal point, or use old drawers to create a new shelving unit. These DIY projects not only give a new life to old bookshelves but also add a personalized touch to your home decor.
EZ Disposal of Your Old Bedroom Furniture!
If you’re looking to clear out your bedroom furniture, EZ CleanUp has got you covered. As Philadelphia’s premier licensed and insured junk removal service, we promise swift, safe, and eco-conscious disposal of your old furniture.
Say goodbye to hidden fees; our competitive pricing is as straightforward as our service. Servicing Philly and its surroundings, we’re here to make your space clean and clutter-free. Reach out to EZ CleanUp, where we make room for your fresh beginnings
