How Do You Get Rid of a Couch in Minnesota? A Complete Guide

Getting rid of a couch sounds simple until you actually have to do it. Whether you are moving into a new home, downsizing your space, or just upgrading your furniture, figuring out how to dispose of a large sofa can quickly become a challenge. Couches are bulky, heavy, and often not accepted through standard curbside trash services. Add in Minnesota’s unique local regulations, recycling rules, and weather conditions, and the process can be even more confusing.

At Affinity Moving, we work with Minnesota homeowners, renters, and businesses every day. We understand the full life cycle of a move, and that often includes helping people figure out what to do with old furniture they no longer need. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every available method of getting rid of a couch in Minnesota, from donating and recycling to hauling it away or repurposing it.

Why Getting Rid of a Couch Takes Planning

Couches are one of the most difficult household items to dispose of properly. They are too large to fit in garbage bins, often contain mixed materials like metal, wood, and fabric, and require special handling by disposal facilities. In many Minnesota cities, furniture is considered bulk waste, meaning it needs to be picked up separately or dropped off at a specific location.

Making the right decision about what to do with your couch can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Plus, donating or recycling your old furniture can also help your local community and reduce your environmental impact.

Step One: Decide the Condition of the Couch

The first question you need to ask is simple: Is the couch still usable?

A usable couch is:

• Free of rips, tears, or holes
• Not stained or soaked with liquids
• Structurally sound and not broken
• Smoke-free and free of pet odors or infestations

If your couch is in good condition, donating or selling it is a great option. If it is damaged beyond repair, it is best to explore proper disposal options.

Option 1: Donate It

If your couch is in good condition, you can donate it to a local Minnesota charity or nonprofit. Many organizations accept furniture donations, and some even offer free pickup services.

Here are a few places in Minnesota that commonly accept furniture:

Bridging

Bridging is a Twin Cities nonprofit that provides furniture and household goods to families in need. They accept gently used couches and may offer scheduled pickups in certain areas. Visit their website to schedule a donation or drop-off.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

With locations in Minneapolis, New Brighton, and other cities, the ReStore resells donated furniture and uses the proceeds to support affordable housing projects. Make sure to call ahead or check their online donation guidelines.

The Salvation Army

Some Salvation Army stores accept furniture donations and provide pickup services. Policies vary by location, so it is best to contact your nearest store.

Goodwill

Although not all Goodwill stores in Minnesota accept furniture, some locations do. Call ahead to confirm and ensure the item meets their quality standards.

Donating your couch not only helps someone in need but also keeps large items out of landfills. It is a win-win for everyone.

Option 2: Schedule a Bulk Trash Pickup

Many Minnesota cities, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, offer special collection days for large or bulky items such as couches. This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of a couch if you cannot transport it yourself.

Here is how it typically works:

• Call your city’s solid waste department or visit their website
• Request a bulk item pickup
• Pay any required fees (some cities include this service with your regular bill)
• Place your couch curbside on the assigned pickup day

Some cities allow you to include a few large items per year as part of your residential service, while others may charge a per-item fee. Always check with your city’s website to avoid fines for placing items out too early or without permission.

Example:

In Minneapolis, residents can schedule a pickup by calling 311 or using the city’s online portal. There is a limit to the number of items, and the couch must be placed in the alley or on the curb after 6 pm the night before pickup.

Option 3: Haul It to a Drop-Off Site

If you have access to a truck or a friend who does, another option is to haul the couch to a local landfill, recycling center, or transfer station.

Here are a few Minnesota locations where you can drop off furniture:

Hennepin County Drop-Off Facilities

• Locations in Brooklyn Park and Bloomington
• Accept furniture for disposal and charge based on item type
• Open to residents of Hennepin County only

Ramsey County Yard Waste Sites

• Some accept furniture, but availability changes seasonally
• Always call ahead to confirm accepted items

Dem-Con Transfer Station in Shakopee

• Open to the public with a per-item or weight-based fee
• Offers recycling and disposal options

Dropping off your couch allows you to control the timing and ensures proper disposal. Just be prepared for a small fee, and make sure to bring help for loading and unloading.

Option 4: Recycle Parts of the Couch

If you are passionate about sustainability, you may want to try recycling parts of your couch. While full-couch recycling is rare, certain components can be separated and taken to specialized facilities.

What can be recycled:

• Metal springs or frames (scrap metal yards)
• Wooden frames (construction debris recycling)
• Foam cushions (upholstery or insulation uses)

Look for recycling facilities in your area or check with a local green disposal company. This option requires more effort but significantly reduces landfill waste.

Option 5: Repurpose or Upcycle the Couch

Feeling creative? If your couch still has decent materials but is no longer fit for regular use, you might consider repurposing it into something new.

Some ideas include:

• Converting cushions into pet beds
• Using wooden frame pieces for DIY furniture
• Turning fabric into pillow covers or bags
• Reusing the base for outdoor seating

Upcycling is a great weekend project and an environmentally friendly solution if you have the time and tools.

Option 6: Sell It Locally

If the couch is still in great condition and you want to earn a bit of extra money, try listing it on local selling platforms. Minnesota has a strong community of online resale shoppers.

Popular places to list your couch:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Craigslist Minneapolis
• Nextdoor
• OfferUp or LetGo

Be sure to include measurements, clear photos, and pickup instructions. For safety, arrange public meetups or offer contactless porch pickup.

Option 7: Hire a Moving or Junk Removal Company

If you are short on time or energy, the easiest solution is to hire a moving or junk removal company that offers furniture disposal services.

At Affinity Moving, we provide full-service relocation and can assist with:

• Couch removal and donation coordination
• Dump runs for furniture and bulky items
• Packing and moving all other household items
• Local and long-distance moving across Minnesota

We work with local partners and nonprofit groups to ensure your unwanted couch is either reused, recycled, or responsibly disposed of. Our team handles the heavy lifting so you do not have to.

This is a particularly great option for seniors, busy professionals, or people facing tight moving deadlines.

What Not to Do

When getting rid of a couch, here are a few things to avoid:

• Do not leave your couch in an alley or on a sidewalk without scheduling a pickup. This can lead to fines and neighborhood complaints.
• Do not burn your couch. Not only is this illegal in most areas, but it is also highly dangerous and environmentally harmful.
• Do not dump it on someone else's property. This is considered illegal dumping and carries significant penalties.
• Do not assume all donation centers will accept it. Always call first to make sure your item meets their guidelines.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you get rid of a couch in Minnesota? The answer depends on your couch’s condition, timeline, and resources. You can donate it, recycle it, drop it off at a landfill, repurpose it, or hire a team to handle it for you. With a little planning, you can make sure your couch is removed responsibly and in a way that benefits your community or the environment.

At Affinity Moving, we go beyond just moving boxes. We help Minnesotans simplify every part of their move—including what to do with the things they no longer need. Whether you are moving across town or across the state, we are here to make your transition easier.

Ready to move and ditch the old couch?

Contact Affinity Moving today for a free quote and ask us about our furniture removal services. We will handle the heavy stuff so you can focus on what comes next.