How to Properly Dispose of Large Household Items

Easily get rid of large, unwanted household items.

Disposing of large household items like furniture and appliances is no easy task. They’re heavy, awkward, and hard to transport especially if you’re unsure whether curbside pickup will take them.

Many people struggle with figuring out how to throw away large items without wasting time, paying expensive dump fees, or risking injury.

No matter how overwhelming removing large furniture may seem, there are reliable ways to remove bulky unwanted items in a way that works best for your schedule and budget.

Garage sales are a fast, budget-friendly way to clear out large items, from bulky appliances and furniture to sectionals, storage sheds, hot tubs, and even trampolines.

Remember the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” A garage sale could be the simplest solution for your unwanted items. If you have kids, they might enjoy selling their old toys while you declutter, turning the cleanup into a fun and memorable family event.

How to make money at a garage or yard sale

Not only will people take your unwanted items off your hands at a yard sale, but you will get paid in the process. Of course, this only works if you have many potential shoppers and the goods you place in your garage sale are of interest and in good condition.

Organize and dispose of large items with our How to Organize the Garage Like a PRO guide, which provides another easy way to learn how get rid of unwanted items in your home.

What sells best at garage sales?

You’ll find that the garage sale strategy for large item disposal works well to dispose of large furniture such as washers and dryers, televisions, couches, and antiques. Seasonal items, such as outdoor furniture, will also do quite well at a garage sale.

You never know which items will sell at your garage sale, so if you have the time to plan one and a lot of large household items to get rid of, then a garage sale may be your best solution!

One way to handle bulky waste that won’t fit in the recycling bin is to see if your city offers an annual or monthly bulk item pickup. Some cities collect oversized items like refrigerators, recliners, and grills. Not all cities participate, so check your local program.

Another option is taking items to a landfill, but it isn’t always straightforward. Many landfills limit what they accept. Certain items, especially used appliances, may be rejected due to hazardous materials. Always check local landfill rules and logistics before loading your truck.

Renting a dumpster can make disposing of large household items more convenient. If you want to avoid multiple trips, a dumpster saves time and effort. While not the cheapest option, dumpster rental works well for home renovation projects or clearing out a home filled with unwanted items.

Choosing the right size dumpster

You’ll need to carry all large household items to the dumpster yourself, so renting the right size is crucial for an efficient removal.

Choosing the correct size can be tricky. Many dumpster rental companies upsell larger units, which can be costly or more than you need. A 10-yard dumpster might end up too small or, in some cases, more than necessary.

Larger dumpsters also cost significantly more and require enough space on your property or street for placement. To skip the hassle and heavy lifting, consider using an eco-friendly junk removal company to handle furniture and other bulky items for you safely and efficiently.

Bulk items that cannot go into a dumpster

Before renting, be sure to check what items are prohibited in your local dumpster. Many dumpster rental services have strict rules, and putting restricted items inside can lead to extra fees or worse, having to unload it all yourself.

To avoid that hassle, it’s often easier to use a reliable junk removal company for household goods removal, especially when dealing with big furniture removal or other heavy trash items.

Wondering what materials you should avoid putting in our dumpsters? Find them here!

Donating to local shelters and charities like the Salvation Army is a great way to remove unwanted household items. It keeps your furniture and large items out of landfills while helping others in need.

But, like garage sales and city pickups, donations can come with a few challenges. Not all items are easy to donate, especially large household goods, so plan ahead to ensure a smooth donation process.

What might be tricky to donate?

Disposing of large furniture or specialty items can be tricky. Heavy scrap metal pieces or vintage clawfoot tubs can be overwhelming. If in good condition, someone may buy or accept them as a donation. Otherwise, consider professional removal.

Items in poor condition, like damaged clawfoot tubs, are difficult to donate due to their weight and size. Large household items, such as sectional sofas, can often be sold or donated if still in decent shape. If not, you’ll need an efficient disposal method.

You might run into issues with some larger household items

Some furniture removal tasks are more complex than others. For instance, a hot tub falls into a special category. You might be able to trade it in or sell it, but more often, people are left wondering how to dispose of a hot tub when it becomes unwanted or broken.

Before getting rid of your hot tub, disconnect all utilities, drain the water, and check the manual. If this feels overwhelming, consider professional hot tub removal for a simple, stress-free solution.

A storage shed is a prime example of an item that could be problematic to dispose of in a timely manner if it’s not in good shape. A storage shed that is in very good shape may definitely be something you can donate.

However, after just a few years, storage sheds can start to look worn out. If your shed is made of metal, it may rust quickly and even become a safety hazard.

No one wants your old, rusted-out storage shed, and that can make removal of items like this especially frustrating.

The condition of large household items plays a big role in how difficult they are to get rid of. When it comes to how to dispose of large items like broken sheds, it’s often easier to turn to a shed removal service rather than trying to haul it off yourself.

Of course, recycling something large like a storage shed isn’t easy due to its size. You may have to break it down by hand before taking it to a local recycling center.

That means you’ll need gloves and safety goggles. Make sure everyone helping is up to date on their tetanus shots and ready with the right tools it’s a serious task that requires caution and effort.

Before picking up a single tool, call your local recycling center to ask about any restrictions. It’s not unusual for centers to have detailed rules about bulk item disposal, and you don’t want to go through all that hard work just to be turned away at the gate.

If you’re looking for an easy way to get rid of household items, consider hiring a professional from LoadUp for bulk pickup. We specialize in removing a variety of items, including household and large furniture, and handle disposal in an eco-friendly, responsible way.

With our convenient booking system, you can select the exact unwanted items you want removed and get an upfront price no waiting around for on-site estimates.

Why choose LoadUp Junk Removal

Americans produce a staggering amount of trash every year. For example, remodeling and construction projects alone generate over 50 million tons of waste annually.

By choosing LoadUp for your bulk pickup, you can trust that all harmful materials in your large items are handled safely. We focus on recycling and responsible disposal, making us a top choice for removing unwanted furniture and household items.

Related Articles from the Trash Talk blog:

• The Real Cost of Dumpster Rental
• Can You Throw Furniture in a Dumpster?
• How to Organize the Garage Like a PRO
• Junk Removal vs. Dumpster Rental: Which Service Do I Need?