A move is the perfect moment to clearing out old furniture – but where to put it? Throwing away should be the last option, because there are many sustainable ways to reuse or recycle. In this article, you will learn how you can dispose of, recycle or pass on old furniture sensibly.
1. Why not just throw away furniture?
📌 1. Sustainability & resource conservation
✅ Old furniture contains valuable materials such as wood, metal & fabrics
✅ Furniture recycling reduces the consumption of new raw materials
♻ 2. Waste avoidance & environmental friendliness
✅ Many pieces of furniture end up in the bulky waste, even though they are still usable
✅ Recycling reduces CO₂ emissions & waste
💰 3. Save or even earn money
✅ Furniture can be sold or donated
✅ Upcycling or repair can make furniture usable again
💡 Tip: Before you dispose of furniture, check whether it can be sold, donated or recycled.
2. Pass on furniture instead of throwing it away
📦 1. Sell – Make money with old furniture
✅ Online platforms such as eBay Classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, Vinted
✅ Flea markets or local second-hand shops
🎁 2. Donate – Do good with old furniture
✅ Social department stores (e.g. Oxfam, Caritas, Diakonie) accept well-preserved furniture
✅ Refugee accommodation or social facilities often look for furniture donations
🔄 3. Swap or give away
✅ Online exchange platforms such as Freecycle, nebenan.de or local exchange groups
✅ Attach a “free to give” note to the piece of furniture and place it in front of the door
💡 Tip: If a piece of furniture is slightly damaged, it can often can be made usable again with small repairs or upcycling projects.
3. Recycling & environmentally friendly disposal
🚛 1. Bulky waste – The last option
✅ Only for really furniture that can no longer be used
✅ Make an appointment with the city or municipality
📋 2. Recycling center – dispose of materials in an environmentally friendly way
✅ Furniture made of wood, metal or plastic is professionally recycled there
✅ Free or low-cost acceptance of waste materials
🛠 3. Upcycling – creatively reusing furniture
✅ Old cabinets to shelves or garden furniture convert
✅ Wood from old tables & beds for Use DIY projects
💡 Tip: If disposal is necessary, an environmentally friendly option such as a recycling center or furniture recycling is preferred.
4. Special cases: Dispose of electrical appliances and mattresses properly
🔌 1. Electrical appliances & household appliances
✅ Old refrigerators, washing machines & Co. belong to electronic waste
✅ Free delivery at Recycling centers or electrical retailers
🛏 2. Dispose of mattresses sustainably
✅ If still usable: Donate or sell
✅ If no longer usable: Use recycling collection points
💡 Tip: Many cities offer Free collection of electronic waste and large pieces of furniture – just ask!
5. Avoid common mistakes when recycling furniture
❌ Simply placing furniture on the street without permission → Solution: Register bulky waste or use platforms for distribution
❌ Throw away any furniture that is still usable immediately → Solution: Sell, donate or upcycle
❌ Incorrect disposal of electrical appliances → Solution: Use recycling centers or specialist retailers
❌ Underestimating upcycling potential → Solution: Think creatively & reuse materials
💡 Tip: Many pieces of furniture can be reused with a little creativity or minor repairs!
6. Checklist for sustainable furniture recycling when moving
📌 Before the move:
✅ Check which furniture will be taken and which will not
✅ Research possibilities for further use or donation
✅ If necessary: Check recycling centers & recycling options
📌 During the move:
✅ Donate furniture to social institutions or second-hand shops
✅ If you want to sell: use online platforms
✅ If recycling is necessary: organize bulky waste or recycling center
📌 After the move:
✅ If possible, start upcycling projects for old furniture
✅ Choose environmentally friendly materials for the new furnishings
✅ Reuse old furniture or store it for future use
💡 Tip: Those who take care of furniture recycling early on can not only Save money, but also protect the environment.
Conclusion: Sustainable furniture disposal made easy
✔ Furniture should only be disposed of as a last resort – selling, donating & upcycling are better alternatives
✔ Avoid bulky waste and use recycling centers or social facilities instead
✔ Sustainable furniture recycling conserves resources and reduces the carbon footprint
✔ Creative DIY projects can give old furniture a new life
✔ Environmentally friendly disposal not only saves waste, but can also help others
🚛 Are you planning a sustainable move and want to dispose of old furniture in an environmentally friendly way? Praktik Transport helps you with the environmentally friendly disposal & recycling of your furniture! Get a non-binding offer now! 🌱✨
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