Looking to offload old furniture in Atlanta without the hassle? Whether it’s a worn-out couch, a bulky mattress, or a dining set, there are plenty of ways to dispose of it responsibly. From free city bulk pickups to donation centers like the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, you’ve got options that help keep items out of landfills and support local families in need.
If your furniture is in good shape, places like Habitat for Humanity ReStore accept donations that directly benefit the community. For items that are damaged or hard to recycle, facilities like CHaRM handle tricky pieces like mattresses and metal frames. Need it gone fast? WasteMatch offers same-day or next-day pickups, prioritizing recycling and donation whenever possible.
Keep reading for tips on prepping your furniture and the best drop-off, pickup, and recycling options in Atlanta.
How to Prepare Your Furniture for Disposal
Before arranging a pickup or drop-off, take a moment to assess and prepare your furniture. Many donation centers and recycling facilities in Atlanta have strict rules about the condition of items they accept. A little preparation can save you time, hassle, and potential rejection fees.
Evaluate Your Furniture's Condition
Start by determining whether your furniture is suitable for donation, recycling, or disposal. Most donation centers in Atlanta only accept items that are “gently used” or in “good usable condition.” This means no tears, stains, structural damage, or other major issues. The Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta, for example, outlines their standards clearly:
"All items should be in good usable condition without need of repair or cleaning. We will not accept any furniture that is torn, stained, ripped, broken, incomplete, structurally unsound, or has been in the presence of pet hair or smoke." – Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta
Inspect your furniture closely. Check for odors, particularly from pets or smoke, as well as visible stains, rips, or other damage. If your item doesn’t pass this test, it likely won’t be accepted for donation. Additionally, measure your furniture carefully - many organizations have size and weight restrictions. For example, items taller than 6 feet or heavier than 300 pounds are often declined. Sleeper sofas, futons, glass tables, and oversized office desks are commonly rejected.
Mattresses are a bit of a special case. While the Furniture Bank accepts mattresses and box springs in any condition, CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) recycles mattresses containing springs. If your furniture doesn’t meet donation standards but has recyclable components like metal or electronics, it’s best to take it to a recycling facility.
Clean and Disassemble Your Items
Once you’ve confirmed your furniture meets the requirements, it’s time to get it ready for transport. Remove pet hair and smoke odors, as these are frequent reasons for rejection. Make sure items like bed frames and headboards include all their original parts, as incomplete sets are often turned away.
Remember, most organizations in Atlanta don’t offer disassembly services. For larger items, you’ll need to take them apart yourself. Disassemble tables, bed frames, or other bulky furniture, and store screws and small parts in a sealed bag attached to one of the main components. If you’re using the City of Atlanta’s bulk pickup service for wooden items or debris, make sure to trim any branches to a maximum length of 4 feet. For curbside pickups, protect your furniture from rain and moisture to prevent weather damage.
Once your furniture is prepped and ready, you can explore the best donation and recycling options Atlanta has to offer.
Where to Recycle or Donate Furniture in Atlanta
Atlanta Furniture Recycling and Donation Options Comparison Guide
Once your furniture is ready to go, it’s time to explore your local options. Below are some great choices depending on the condition of your items and how you’d like to dispose of them.
CHaRM Atlanta
The Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) is your go-to for items that can’t be tossed in regular trash or recycling bins. Located at 1110 Hill St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315, CHaRM accepts items like mattresses (with springs), large appliances, metal bed frames, and flat glass tabletops. They’re open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., but you’ll need to book an appointment ahead of time - no walk-ins allowed. To schedule, call 404-600-6386 or email LT@LiveThrive.org.
Here’s a quick look at their fees:
- Twin/full mattresses: $15 each
- Queen/king mattresses: $18 each
- Large appliances: $15–$20
- Metal bed frames and flat glass: Free for Atlanta residents
Keep in mind, they don’t accept cash, so bring a credit card, or use Venmo or Apple Pay. Also, make sure your mattresses are dry, bug-free, and have springs (foam toppers and air mattresses won’t be accepted).
If your furniture is still in great shape, consider donating it instead.
Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta
The Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta provides essential furniture to families recovering from homelessness or crisis. If your furniture is in excellent condition, donating here is a meaningful way to help others. However, due to a warehouse transition following a fire, donation drop-offs are temporarily paused as of January 2026. Before making plans, call 404-355-8530 to confirm whether they’re accepting items again. Be sure your furniture meets their quality standards before donating.
Lifecycle Building Center
For those dismantling furniture or working on a renovation, the Lifecycle Building Center is a fantastic option. They focus on salvaging materials like wood, hardware, and architectural components rather than whole furniture pieces. Contact them directly to check what they’re currently accepting and to learn about their drop-off process.
Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity ReStore has two Atlanta-area locations where you can donate gently used furniture and home goods. Proceeds from these donations support affordable housing initiatives. The Reynoldstown location is at 271 Chester Ave. SE, Atlanta (404-525-2114), and the South Fulton location is at 5626 Old National Hwy, College Park (404-382-7615).
They accept items under 300 pounds that are free of rips, stains, or damage. However, oversized pieces like armoires, china cabinets, and large office desks are typically declined. Call ahead to confirm that your items meet their guidelines and to coordinate your drop-off.
If your furniture isn’t suitable for donation, the city’s bulk waste collection service is another option.
City of Atlanta Bulk Waste Collection
Atlanta residents can take advantage of free bulk furniture pickup through the city’s Solid Waste Services. Simply visit the ATL311 website or use the ATL Solid Waste mobile app to schedule a collection. Place your items curbside by 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled day, and make sure to remove any debris that isn’t collected by 9:00 a.m. the next day. This service is perfect for furniture that’s too damaged to donate or too large to transport on your own. Remember to cut wooden debris to no more than 4 feet in length, and try to keep items dry if rain is in the forecast.
With these options, you can responsibly recycle or donate your furniture while supporting community needs and reducing waste.
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Use WasteMatch for Fast Furniture Removal
If municipal pickups or donations aren’t cutting it, there’s a quicker, simpler option available. WasteMatch connects you with local haulers in Atlanta, offering a convenient way to get rid of unwanted furniture. Whether you need same-day service or want to schedule a pickup for later in the week, the platform makes it easy to book a time that works for you. Plus, you’ll know the exact cost upfront - no surprises or hidden fees.
How WasteMatch Works
Getting started is simple and fast. All you need to do is enter your zip code and specify the furniture you want to remove - be it a couch, mattress, desk, or other items. Once you’ve selected your items, the platform instantly shows you the price. From there, you can choose a date and time that fits your schedule. If you book before 12:00 p.m., you can even secure same- or next-day pickups. A hauler will then arrive during your chosen time window to load up and either dispose of or donate your items.
WasteMatch goes beyond just removing your furniture - it prioritizes donation and recycling whenever possible. Usable pieces are delivered to local non-profits and charities first. If items can’t be donated due to their condition or because there’s an oversupply, they’re sent to recycling facilities to recover materials like metal, wood, and wicker. With over 755,563 pickups completed and 1,790,885 items removed, WasteMatch has also facilitated $44,251 in charitable donations. Standard pickups start at about $80, with a $5 discount if you leave your items at the curb.
WasteMatch Home Membership Benefits
For $129 a year, WasteMatch Home provides extra perks that make furniture removal even easier. The membership includes one pickup worth up to $250, priority booking, and locked-in rates. If you don’t use your included pickup within the year, the credit rolls over once, so you won’t lose out. This plan is especially handy during busy move-out seasons, helping you avoid surge pricing and last-minute fees. Whether you’re getting rid of a single couch or multiple items, the membership can save you money and streamline the process. Even if you only need one pickup a year, the membership practically pays for itself.
Next Steps
With your options laid out, it’s time to pick the approach that works best for your items and schedule. Start by assessing the condition of your furniture to determine the most suitable disposal method.
If your items are still in good shape, consider donating them to organizations like Atlanta Habitat for Humanity ReStore or the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta (be sure to check their current availability). These groups support local families while ensuring usable furniture stays out of landfills.
For furniture that’s broken or too worn to donate, you can schedule a free curbside pickup through ATL311. Just call 404-546-0311 or visit atlantaga.gov/solidwaste. Make sure to book your pickup at least one business day in advance, and place your items at the curb by 7:00 p.m. You’re allowed up to 12 free bulk pickups each year.
If you need faster service, WasteMatch offers same- or next-day pickups. Book online before 12:00 p.m., and a local hauler will collect your items during your selected time slot. Standard pickups start around $80, with a $5 discount for items placed curbside.
For items that are tricky to recycle, like mattresses with springs, contact CHaRM at 404-600-6386 to schedule a drop-off at their Hills Street SE facility. Keep in mind that as of early 2026, drop-offs at the Furniture Bank's main office are temporarily paused, so double-check availability before heading out.
Take the first step toward clearing your space responsibly - whether it’s booking a WasteMatch pickup, arranging a City of Atlanta collection, or dropping items off at a local facility.
FAQs
What are my options if my furniture is too damaged to donate?
If your furniture is beyond repair and unsuitable for donation, Atlanta offers several responsible ways to dispose of it. One option is the city's bulk waste pickup program, which allows residents to schedule up to 12 free pickups per year for large, unusable items like broken couches or tables. Another option is dropping off damaged furniture at facilities like CHaRM Atlanta or the city's Bulk Waste Drop-Off Center, where it can be handled properly.
If you're looking for a more convenient approach, you can hire licensed local haulers. They’ll take care of the heavy lifting and ensure your furniture is disposed of in line with local guidelines. It's important to follow Atlanta's disposal regulations - not just to avoid fines, but also to contribute to eco-friendly waste management efforts.
How can I arrange a same-day pickup for old furniture in Atlanta?
If you're looking for same-day furniture pickup in Atlanta, WasteMatch has you covered with a fast and dependable service. Just enter your ZIP code, list the items you need removed, and schedule your appointment online. Prices generally begin at $125 for a full load, and they even accommodate urgent or last-minute requests.
With WasteMatch, you'll be paired with professionals who can handle everything from furniture to appliances and other large items. To make the process even smoother, try booking early in the day to secure availability and ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
Does CHaRM charge a fee for recycling mattresses?
CHaRM offers mattress recycling at no cost. This service is designed to assist Atlanta, GA residents in disposing of their mattresses in an environmentally responsible manner. Be sure to review their guidelines and check their operating hours before heading over.
