How to Get Rid of Your Old and Beat-Up Furniture Like a Pro

Back in the day, council waste authorities would pick up furniture along with other waste, but things have changed now. With stricter regulations and hefty fines, furniture waste has become a drag for homeowners in England. Improper disposal of furniture can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. Whether it is a beat-up couch, an old entertainment centre, a broken bed, or anything else, homeowners need to make sure that it is properly disposed of according to all local waste disposal laws.

Here is a complete guide to help homeowners deal with furniture disposal.

Sofas, Cushions, Chairs

Sofas are large and bulky items, and their disposal is a challenging task for homeowners. A 2-seater sofa weighs around 35 to 40 Kg, so one must consider size, weight, and type of sofa to arrange for its disposal. Moreover, the threat of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) makes things more complicated. The new regulation from the Environmental Protection Agency set in place on January 1, 2023, bans the disposal of upholstered sofas into landfills. There is increasing evidence that POPs from upholstered furniture linger on for a long time and damage the environment and residents’ health. Upholstered sofas must not be mixed with other waste, nor should they be broken down into small pieces, as it increases the risk of POP pollution.

So, it is best to hire professional sofa disposal services to get the job done hassle-free. While this may incur a cost, it can save you time and effort. A man and van service instead of a skip can help you get rid of your old sofa in one piece.

Beds, Bunk Beds

Beds go a long way and have often been used for decades. But once the bed frames are broken, it becomes necessary to replace them. Due to the size of the beds and bunk beds, it is not easy to discard them. The best way to dispose them of is to sell them to a local scrapyard or lumber yard. If your bed is made of wood, iron, or steel, it is easy to recycle these materials. You can even get a reasonable price for selling these frames. Whether you want to send the bed frame away in one piece or several small pieces, a man and van service can be of great help.

Mattresses

Between 7 and 8.5 million mattresses are sent to landfills in the UK every year, and this figure continues to rise because 1 in 4 people throw away their less than 4-year-old mattresses. Mattress waste is a much worse nightmare because it is home to bacteria, fungi, and many unwanted viruses. Smoke residues, food crumbs, and pet hair are some of the things that render used mattresses highly unclean and a threat to people. If these mattresses are left in the trash can for a long time, they pose a risk of contamination. However, it is not a good idea to rip your mattress apart as it may contain POPs. If you want to avoid penalties for fly-tipping and POPs, you should arrange a professional mattress disposal service to take it to a licensed recycling plant.

Tables

Tables and consoles, on the other hand, are the easiest to dispose of among all other types of furniture. Usually made of wood or steel, these items are in high demand at local scrap yards and lumber yards. There is also a trend for upcycling old desks and tables, making the disposal process even easier. Therefore, homeowners can feel at ease and less stressed about the process. You can sell to a recycling or upcycling plant in your area. One of the most important precautions in disposing of the tables and desks is to remove glass carefully. If your local council provides collection services for bulky waste, you can book it to throw the tables or desks away safely. If there is no such service available, a man and a van service will be your best bet.

Chest, Wardrobes

It is relatively easy to get rid of old chests and cabinets. There are a variety of ways these things can be taken care of. First, efficient ways to upcycle old chests into consoles and desks exist. Secondly, materials such as wood, PVC, and iron are recyclable. Therefore, these items are less likely to end up in landfills. There is also less risk of contamination. However, if you have a large and bulky wardrobe in your basement, it may be challenging to drag it to the curbside. You may need to break it down into smaller pieces.

In case you want to haul everything away together, you should contact a local bulky waste collection company. You must ensure the company is licensed to avoid fly-tipping and other penalties. To find a reputable company, you can check online reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or family.

Appliances and Electronics

Electronic items and appliances are a part of every home and need proper disposal. The chemicals and wiring in these appliances are harmful to the environment and dangerous to human health. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure proper waste disposal of these items. In many counties, electronic items cannot be thrown away in a skip or are collected with regular bulk waste. There are also severe penalties for fly-tipping or improper removal. Before getting rid of your old fridge or TV, you should check the regulations in your area. Suppose your area’s Home Waste Recycling Plant only accepts commercial vehicles carrying old electronics and appliances. In that case, hiring a licensed service is more suitable and cost-effective.