Summer is in full swing, so it’s time to plan how to dispose of your patio furniture properly. Over the past several years, outdoor living spaces have become more popular. Enjoyable conversations with friends or family can be had almost anywhere outdoors with comfortable chairs and relaxing couches.
But as summer winds down and cooler temperatures creep up on us, you may face a dilemma— what do you do with all the patio furniture when it’s no longer needed?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best practices for disposing of outdoor furniture so that you can free up space and make room for whatever comes next! Keep reading to learn more about how to dispose of patio furniture.
What Will You Need?
Before you start to dispose of your patio furniture, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. This could include things like:
- Protective gloves
- Garbage bags
- A broom or vacuum cleaner
- WD-40 and other cleaning supplies
The supplies you’ll need will depend on the type of furniture you are getting rid of, so make sure you have everything before you begin.
10 Easy Steps on How to Dispose of Patio Furniture
Step 1. Assess the Condition:
The first step in disposing of patio furniture is to assess its condition. If the furniture is still in good condition, consider donating it to a local charity, selling it, or giving it to neighbors or friends. However, if the furniture is broken or damaged beyond repair, you may need to consider other disposal methods.
Step 2. Dismantle the Furniture:
Next, try to dismantle the furniture if it’s feasible to do so. Unscrew the parts, remove the cushions, and take apart what you can. This will not only make the pieces easier to transport but also more acceptable for recycling or disposal centers. Be careful when doing this to avoid any potential injury. Always remember to wear your protective gloves.
Step 3. Clean the Furniture:
After dismantling the furniture, the next step is cleaning. This involves removing any dirt, dust, or grime that may have accumulated on the furniture. Use a vacuum cleaner, broom, or other cleaning supplies to clean each piece thoroughly.
If there are any stubborn stains or rust, consider using a solution of vinegar and water or a specialized cleaning product. Remember to dispose of any cleaning residues responsibly and environmentally friendly.
Step 4. Check Local Disposal Regulations:
Before you get rid of your patio furniture, it’s essential to check your local disposal regulations. Different cities and states have different rules for disposing of larger items like furniture.
Some may offer large item pickup services as part of your garbage service, while others may require you to drop off at a designated recycling or disposal center. Checking these regulations will help you avoid any penalties and ensure that you’re disposing of your items in a responsible, eco-friendly way.
Step 5. Donate, Sell, or Recycle If Possible:
If your patio furniture is still in good condition, consider donating it to a local charity or selling it online on platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Many people are often looking for second-hand outdoor furniture, and this could be a great way to give your items a new life while making some extra cash.
Alternatively, if your furniture is made of recyclable materials like metal or plastic, consider taking it to a local recycling center. Remember, reusing and recycling are preferable to throwing away your wallet and the environment.
Step 6. Arrange for Pickup or Drop-off:
If donating, selling, or recycling are not viable options, the next step is to arrange for pickup or drop-off of your patio furniture. You can schedule a pickup date if your local waste management company offers large item pickup.
Alternatively, you can transport the furniture to a designated disposal center. Always remember to secure the furniture properly when transporting it to prevent any accidents or damage to your vehicle.
Step 7. Properly Dispose of Non-Recyclable Parts:
For non-recyclable furniture pieces, such as certain types of fabric or foam, you’ll need to dispose of these in your regular trash. Be sure to place these items in sturdy garbage bags to prevent them from creating litter or attracting pests.
If your regular trash service doesn’t accept these items, you may need to look for a local waste facility that does. Always remember to abide by your local laws and regulations regarding waste disposal.
Step 8. Consider Professional Disposal Services:
There are professional services available that specialize in furniture removal and disposal. If you are unsure how to dispose of your patio furniture properly, or if the process seems too challenging or time-consuming, consider hiring a professional removal service.
These companies are knowledgeable about local regulations and can ensure that your furniture is disposed of safely and eco-friendly. Remember, there may be a fee associated with this service, so be sure to factor that into your decision.
Step 9. Receive Confirmation of Disposal:
Once you’ve successfully disposed of your patio furniture, whether through a professional service or doing it yourself, ensure you receive a confirmation of disposal. This could be a receipt from a recycling center, a donation slip from a nonprofit, or a confirmation email or document from a waste removal service.
This gives you peace of mind that your furniture has been correctly disposed of, and it’s essential if you’ve used a professional service, as it’s your proof that the task was completed as requested.
Step 10. Clean Up:
Once your patio furniture has been successfully disposed of, it’s time to clean up. Sweep and mop the area where the furniture used to be, ensuring all debris and residues have been removed. If there are any leftover parts or screws, make sure they are picked up and disposed of correctly.
Finally, take a moment to enjoy the extra space you’ve reclaimed. This concludes the process of disposing of your patio furniture. Remember to reuse, recycle, and reduce waste whenever possible.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your patio furniture is disposed of responsibly and eco-friendly. Each step is important in ensuring your items are safely removed from your home and property, from dismantling and cleaning the furniture to properly disposing of non-recyclable parts.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If you want to donate your patio furniture, ensure it’s in good condition. Donating broken or damaged pieces won’t help those in need, and many charities won’t accept them.
- Consider giving away your patio furniture to family or friends who could use it. This way, you can be sure the furniture will continue to be used and appreciated.
- If you have any metal furniture that is no longer usable, consider recycling it by taking it to your nearest scrap metal yard.
- Consider repurposing your patio furniture and using it creatively indoors or outdoors. Repurposed pieces can be artwork, planters, birdbaths, signs, benches, and more!
- Ensure you follow all local laws and regulations when disposing of your patio furniture. This will ensure that the environment stays safe.
No matter how you dispose of your patio furniture, be sure to do it responsibly. Check with your local recycling center or waste transfer station for more information on what items they accept and where they should be placed for collection.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Only throw out patio furniture after trying to dispose of it properly. It may end up in a landfill, where it won’t decompose properly and could pollute the environment.
- Avoid burning your furniture, as this can release hazardous chemicals into the air and cause health risks for you and your neighbors.
- Don’t put old or broken patio furniture in your regular garbage. It won’t be collected, and it could pollute the environment.
- Resist the urge to dump your furniture on public or private property without permission. This can be illegal and is also a form of littering.
- Never try to recycle items that your local recycling center doesn’t accept. This will only contribute to the problem of waste accumulation instead of helping solve it.
When you’re done with it, it’s important to be mindful about where your patio furniture ends. Properly disposing of it is the best way to ensure it won’t pollute the environment. Remember these tips and ensure you always dispose of your furniture responsibly.
Conclusion
Patio furniture is an important addition to any outdoor space, as it can provide a great way to enjoy the outdoors and entertain loved ones. However, it’s important to remember that proper patio furniture disposal is integral in maintaining a healthy environment and your patio space.
Fortunately, there are many ways how to dispose of patio furniture – from donating or selling it, to recycling or upcycling it. Whatever you choose, be sure you take the time to do your research and ensure that whichever disposal method you use is the best for both your space and the environment.
With some creativity and thoughtfulness, finding eco-friendly methods for disposing unwanted patio furniture doesn’t have to be daunting.
