Why can't it go in the recycling bin?
Furniture (and broken off pieces of furniture) placed in the recycling bin contaminate the recycling stream, which is meant to be clean, residue-free and only made up of items meant for recycling curbside (paper, plastics, glass, etc.). Some furniture pieces (springs, wires, etc.) could also tangle up in the gears of recycling trucks and the sorting equipment at the MRF (Material Recovery Facility). Although some furniture is made from a recycled, post-consumer material, it cannot be processed in the residential curbside collection system.
If I can't put it in the curbside recycling bin, where can it go?
Furniture (and broken off pieces of furniture) should not be put into (or placed next to) the curbside recycling carts or trash. Furniture that is in good condition can be sold or reused or repurposed when donated to a local charity. Contact them to determine if they can accept your donation (see list below). If the item of furniture is broken or in very worn condition, set up a pick-up appointment for
Bulk Item Collection or self haul to
Granger’s Lansing disposal center. Disassembled/small pieces can be disposed of in curbside trash removal.
Goodwill Industries, 5847 West Saginaw
- (517) 323-1167
- Website
- Accepts all household furniture in good condition except baby furniture
- Upholstered items should have no stains or odors and there should be no burns, rips or tears
- Wooden items should not be broken or chipped
- Items can be dropped off
Salvation Army, 5206 West Saginaw
- (517) 323-9742
- Website
- Accepts household furniture in good condition
- Furniture should be free of stains or rips and be in generally good condition
- Furniture should also be free of odors and there should be no broken or missing pieces
- Televisions are accepted (flat screens only)
- Will pick up items or can be dropped off. Call (800) 728-7285 for pick up.
Volunteers of America, 5411 South Cedar
- (517) 272-1600
- Website
- Accepts all household furniture in good condition except metal desks, mattresses or box springs, entertainment centers or televisions older than 2012
- Furniture should be in relatively good condition, no tears, stains
- Items should be complete and not broken
- Will pick up items at home or can be dropped off
St. Vincent Catholic Charities, 2800 W. Willow St., Lansing
- (517) 323-4734
- Website
- Accepts lightly used kitchen and bathroom items such as pots, pans, utensils, dishes, towels, etc.
- Accepts lightly used living and dining room items such as tables, chairs, love seats, sofa, curtains, TVs, etc.
- Accepts lightly used bedroom items such as dressers, beds, blinds, sheets, blankets, etc.
- Large appliances are not accepted
Habitat for Humanity, 1941 Benjamin Drive, Lansing
- (517) 374-6235
- Website
- Accepts new and gently used furniture (no rips/tears, etc.)
- Mattresses and box springs are not accepted