Disposal Guide 101: How to Dispose of Large Household Items

Whether you’re moving, clearing out an estate or looking to update aspects of your home, you may have some devices or objects that you want to remove. Getting rid of large household items can be simple when you break down your options. This guide to item disposal will walk you through common items that cause homeowners strife. 

How to Dispose of Old Furniture

When you want to update your space or remove pieces from an estate, furniture removal can seem challenging. Many pieces are bulky or oddly shaped, making it harder to navigate through doors, around obstacles and into vehicles for transport. If you need to remove old furniture, consider these options.

Donation

Organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army may accept your old furniture for resale. This option is best if you have gently used furniture but may not be suitable if your pieces have significant damage or signs of wear. You could also consider listing these items on local sites if you want to donate them without transporting them to a drop-off location. Keep in mind that you cannot guarantee that someone will want the item, and you will have to store the piece until someone comes to pick it up. 

Recycle or Repurpose

You can extend the life span of furniture or materials by recycling or repurposing them. Some scrap metal retailers may accept items like metal bed frames or chair legs. You could also consider using pieces yourself to make new furniture. For instance, an old nightstand could become a unique living room end table, or you could reupholster old chairs to coordinate with your favorite dining set pieces. 

Garage or Yard Sale

Yard or garage sales are an excellent way to make some money on items you no longer need or want. This option requires you to move your furniture where potential buyers can view it but otherwise eliminates the stress of transporting heavy or bulk items. Research whether your area hosts weekends dedicated to these events to increase the chances of people stopping by. Keep in mind that these events perform best in warm weather, so this option may not be suitable if you need to remove items during the winter and do not have the space to store them until the right weekend. 

Dumpster Disposal

Another option for disposing of old furniture is renting a dumpster. This option can be incredibly useful for those doing large renovation projects or cleaning out an estate because you can place all waste in the receptacle. You can find dumpsters ranging in size, allowing you to fit as much or as little as you need. This option is excellent if you want to remove furniture quickly, as you can schedule a pickup at whatever time and day is most suitable for you. You can also choose varying rental durations, ensuring you have enough time to complete your project without interruption. 

How to Dispose of Appliances

Heavy appliances often require multiple people to move them safely and efficiently. Additionally, big and bulky appliances can be challenging to move or fit into vehicles. Depending on whether you need to get rid of a single appliance or multiple and how large your items are, some disposal methods will be more beneficial than others. Here are the top options for getting rid of your appliances.

Sell Them

Selling appliances can be good if your item is still functional or has usable pieces and components. If you’re trying to get rid of one or two appliances, listing them online can be a great way to simplify the process. Listing your appliances on local pages can prompt those nearby to arrange a pickup with you. You may find someone in need of your old appliance or connect with someone who collects scrap metal. 

In many cases, the buyer will meet you at a designated location and transport it themselves. You can also choose to have the buyer come to your home for pickup if you feel comfortable enough, further easing your effort to remove the appliance. This option is ideal if you have space to store the appliance until someone picks it up. However, there is no guarantee that someone will purchase your item, which means you may end up holding on to it longer than you’d like.

Find an Appliance Recycler

If you prefer extending the life of your appliance, there are a few ways to do so:

• Scrap metal retailers: Local scrap metal retailers may offer a small payout to buy your appliance from you for scrap metal. This option often requires you to transport the appliance to the retailer, and there is no guarantee that the retailer will make the purchase. However, this can be a good option to make some money back if they take you up on the offer. 
• Other retailers: Depending on the age and condition of your appliance, a retailer may purchase it to resell. If you’re replacing your appliance, it can be beneficial to research local retailers that recycle appliances. This strategy can help you get lower prices for your new appliance if you’re buying from the same company that will remove your existing appliance. 
• Transfer stations: Some cities offer appliance recycling services. These areas often have designated transfer stations and provide lists of approved drop-off items. It’s best to research these stations and associated prices to determine whether this option is viable. Remember that you will need to transport the appliance to the appropriate station. 
• Utility provider: Some utility providers offer recycling programs, such as partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency and complying with the Responsible Appliance Disposal program. Some providers may offer free pickup as an incentive for choosing this option. 

Hire a Removal Company

Several companies accept dated or broken appliances for disposal or recycling. For example, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Sears and Home Depot offer removal services. If you’re purchasing a new appliance from one of these companies, they will often offer removal for a small price at the time of installing the new one. If you are not purchasing a new appliance from these providers, you can still request a removal service. However, you should expect to pay a hefty removal fee. Individual appliance rates vary depending on the object’s size and the effort necessary to move the appliance. 

Research Curbside Pickup

Leaving your old appliances at the curb can be an easy way to remove unwanted items from your home. However, you will likely need to schedule a pickup and check with your local municipality to determine what items you can place at the curb and when a provider can pick your items up. This service often comes with an additional fee on top of your trash bill, so be sure to ask about these costs.

This solution is less suitable if you need to move multiple appliances, as you may need to schedule multiple pickups to remove all items. Additionally, some municipalities may require you to use a disposal location, meaning you will still need to load your appliances into a vehicle and transport them to the designated area, which may be a challenge for some homeowners. For example, Mahwah Township, New Jersey, allows for the disposal of metal items like washing machines as part of normal trash collection, while Lacey Township requires scheduled pickup for metal appliances.

Rent a Roll-Off Dumpster

Renting a dumpster may be the easiest way to dispose of old appliances and other items around your home. You can typically book roll-off containers by scheduling online or calling your local provider, meaning you can make your rental work for your needs and schedule. 

You can also modify the length of time the dumpster remains on your property, allowing you to embark on a week-long cleaning project or ensure quick and efficient removal. You can find various dumpster sizes, ensuring you can fit small and large appliances and any other items you want to get rid of. This is an exceptional option for efficient removal, especially if you’re working on a kitchen remodel or similar project that can produce a lot of waste. 

How to Dispose of Electronics

Electronic waste can harm the environment, but these devices have become integral to our daily lives, increasing the amount of electronic waste we produce over time. Electronics can be tricky to get rid of because some states have unique laws regarding their removal. As of December 2024, 25 states have electronic recycling laws. For example, New Jersey prohibits institutions, businesses and homeowners from placing covered devices such as monitors, printers, televisions, and desktop or personal computers in the trash. 

If you need to dispose of electronics, you can consider:

• Donating: Passing along your old electronics can be an exceptional way to extend device life. You can start by asking friends and family if they have any interest or need in your devices or their components. Perhaps someone needs an old laptop until they can invest in a new one or wants an older phone for work-related purposes to avoid providing their personal number. If you don’t have any friends or family members who need your electronics, you can donate them to businesses and charities. 
• Selling: Many businesses and individuals look for second-hand electronics. You can also increase your asking price if you clean or refurbish your outdated device before selling. Selling small electronics can be simple, with local pickups and shipping options available. For larger options, consider posting local listings for easy removal. 
• Local recycling programs: Some local businesses offer electronics recycling programs. This option can be great for individuals who can transport the item to a local store or drop-off location. Brands like HP offer return and recycling options for hardware and electronics, making it easy to remove items you cannot throw away. Some businesses even offer mail-in recycling options, further simplifying the removal process. 

How to Dispose of Mattresses

When you’re thinking about upgrading to a new mattress, the debacle of getting rid of your old one arises. Thankfully, there are several ways to dispose of your mattress, regardless of its condition. 

Use a Message Board

Local message boards are an excellent way to reach people who cannot afford a new mattress but are in the market for something more comfortable than what they currently have. This option allows you to help those in your community and make some cash back. As a bonus, you could offer any bed-related items, including the boxspring, frame or headboard, if you no longer have use for them. 

However, like other items you may try to sell, a sale is not guaranteed. You will need a secure place to store the mattress while you wait for a buyer, and you may need to use materials to protect it from elements like dust, especially if you store it in locations like the basement or garage. You should only sell a mattress if it is in good condition and relatively new — no older than five to seven years old. 

Recycle It

Local organizations and recycling centers may accept your old mattress for a small fee. Different recycling centers can reuse the various parts of your mattress to create new products. In some cases, you can also remove the springs from your mattress and turn them in at some recycling facilities for cash. If you use this strategy, you must determine how to dispose of the remaining mattress pieces properly. 

Donate It

Donating is another way to help those who cannot afford a brand-new mattress find something comfortable. Organizations and charities like The Salvation Army may take mattresses in good condition. However, not every location accepts mattresses, regardless of condition, so research your options before arriving at a donation center. Additionally, Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity generally do not accept mattresses. 

Use a Dumpster Service

While some mattresses remain in good condition, eventually, they wear beyond repair. If your mattress has physical damage, lingering odors, structural problems or similar issues, you likely won’t be able to sell or donate it. Thankfully, you still have another option — renting a dumpster. Unlike some furniture and appliances, it’s typically not feasible to break down mattresses. This issue can make it challenging to transport the mattress to drop-off locations. Renting a dumpster offers the perfect solution, allowing you to place all unwanted items inside with ease and peace of mind. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dumpsters

Getting rid of large household items can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Take a look at these common questions about dumpsters to simplify your removal process. 

What Can You Put in a Dumpster?

In New Jersey, you can put many types of nontoxic waste in a dumpster rental, including the following:

• Old furniture
• Yard waste
• General trash
• Nonhazardous appliances
• Books
• Cardboard
• Magazines
• Clothing
• Old or broken toys
• Carpet, tile and other flooring
• Wood and lumber
• Mattresses
• Nonhazardous personal belongings

Where Can You Place a Dumpster?

You can put a dumpster in several locations for your convenience. For instance, you can place a dumpster in your driveway or another convenient area on your New Jersey property. You can also put a dumpster on the street in some locations but may need a permit to do so. 

How Can You Rent a Dumpster?

You can easily rent a dumpster by reserving a unit online or contacting your provider. When you choose Hometown Waste & Recycling Services Inc., we make it simple to choose your dumpster size, select a rental time frame and prepare for delivery. When you’ve completed your project, we’ll arrive on an arranged date to collect the unit and everything in it.

What Items Cannot Go Into a Dumpster?

Generally, you cannot put objects in a dumpster that are hazardous, toxic or flammable. You cannot use a dumpster for the following items:

• Aerosol cans
• Batteries
• Cleaning supplies
• Garden chemicals
• Computers
• Televisions
• Light bulbs
• Keyboards
• Printers
• Pesticides
• Motor oil
• Paint or paint thinners
• Propane tanks

Contact Hometown Waste & Recycling Services Inc.

When you need a dumpster rental, trust Hometown Waste & Recycling Services Inc. to simplify the process. We provide dumpsters in various sizes for residents throughout New Jersey. We also offer several deals on rentals throughout the year to ensure you can find reliable service at an affordable price. Connect with us to get your dumpster rental quote!