Having large, bulky items that need to be disposed of can be a hassle. Old furniture, appliances, mattresses – these oversized items take up space and are difficult to transport. Thankfully, there are services available to help with large item pickup and disposal. Here is an in-depth guide on how to properly dispose of bulky waste.
Scheduling Pickup
The first step is scheduling a pickup for your large, unwanted items. There are several options available:
Municipal Pickup
Many cities and towns offer large or bulky item pickup services for residents. Check your local municipality’s website for details on scheduling a pickup. Most have guidelines on what items they will collect and how to prepare them. For example, some may require:
- Calling ahead to schedule a pickup appointment
- Placing items at the curb on your scheduled date
- Limiting the number, size, or type of items
Private Haulers
If your area does not offer municipal pickup, you can hire a private junk removal company. They specialize in hauling away large, awkward items. Key factors when selecting a company:
- Licensed and insured – Make sure they are properly accredited.
- Upfront pricing – Get an estimate beforehand so there are no surprises.
- Service options – Some will just transport items, others will dispose of them for you.
Donation Pickup
Some charities, such as Goodwill or Salvation Army, will pickup gently used furniture or household items for free. Check requirements in your area and schedule a donation pickup if items are in good condition.
Preparing Items for Pickup
Properly preparing your large items will make the pickup and disposal process smoother:
- Remove any parts or materials that are not accepted -For example, many places cannot take items that contain hazardous chemicals, batteries, etc. Remove these first.
- Empty and clean out appliances – Remove any food or debris from refrigerators, ovens, etc.
- Disassemble furniture – Take apart any items that can be broken down into smaller pieces. This makes them easier to transport.
- Set items at the curb – Place items neatly in your driveway or curbside on the scheduled pickup day. Make sure they do not block the sidewalk.
Disposal Methods
There are a few primary ways that large, bulky items are disposed of after pickup:
Landfill
Non-recyclable products typically end up in the landfill. These include:
- Old furniture
- Mattresses
- Carpeting
- Toilets
Recycling
Many bulky items contain recyclable materials. Appliances, electronics, and scrap metal can often be recycled:
- Refrigerators, washers, dryers
- Computers, TVs
- BBQ grills, lawn mowers
- Bicycles, weights
Resale
Gently used furniture, housewares, and building supplies may be resold by charities or salvage companies:
- Couches, chairs, tables
- Cabinets, sinks, lighting
- Doors, windows, lumber
This benefits those in need and keeps usable items out of the landfill.
Conclusion
Disposing of oversized items responsibly keeps our communities and environment clean. Be sure to utilize available pickup services, prepare items properly, and dispose of them through recycling or resale when possible. With some advanced planning, you can effectively clear out large, unwanted goods.
