If you’re wondering how to dispose of an old couch in Fort Lauderdale, you’ve got several city-approved and easy-to-use options. Whether your sofa is damaged, dated, or still functional, you can take advantage of bulk trash pickup, donate it to a local nonprofit, schedule a junk removal crew, or rent a dumpster for larger cleanups.
This quick guide walks you through how to dispose of furniture in a way that’s compliant with Fort Lauderdale’s solid waste rules. Whether you’re renovating, moving, or downsizing, you’ll discover the most convenient way to handle furniture disposal with minimal hassle.
Your Sofa Disposal Options in Fort Lauderdale
Here’s a breakdown of the best sofa disposal options available in Fort Lauderdale:
1. Schedule Bulk Pickup with the City of Fort Lauderdale
The City of Fort Lauderdale provides monthly bulk trash pickup for residential customers, which includes sofas and other large household items.
How to Use the Service:
Place your couch curbside no earlier than 24 hours before your scheduled bulk pickup day.
Ensure the item is accessible and not blocking sidewalks or fire hydrants.
Bulk trash must be out by 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection.
Tel: Schedule Info:
Tel: (954) 828-8000
fortlauderdale.gov
If you live in a gated community or HOA-regulated area, contact your property manager to confirm pickup rules.
2. Donate Gently Used Couches to Local Nonprofits
If your sofa still has life in it—no rips, smells, or structural damage—you might consider donating it. Local charities in and around Fort Lauderdale often accept furniture and may offer free pickup.
Where to Donate in Fort Lauderdale:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore – Broward
505 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Tel: 954-763-7771
Goodwill South Florida – Fort Lauderdale
Multiple drop-off locations in the area
Pickup available for qualifying donations
goodwillsouthflorida.org
The Salvation Army – Fort Lauderdale
1445 W Broward Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Tel: 954-524-6991
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/
Call ahead to confirm whether your item qualifies. Many organizations decline sleeper sofas or anything with heavy wear.
3. Drop Off at a Broward County Disposal Site
If donation isn’t an option and you’ve missed your bulk pickup, you can take your couch to a local disposal facility.
Primary Disposal Locations:
Broward County Landfill
7101 SW 205th Ave, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029
Tel: 954-357-5329
https://www.broward.org/WasteAndRecycling/SouthwestRegionalLandfill
Open: Sat only, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Broward North or South Residential Drop-off Centers
For residents only — proof of residency required
broward.org
Fees: Residential customers in participating cities can drop off large items for free, but restrictions on vehicle types and materials may apply.
4. Hire a Junk Removal Service in Fort Lauderdale
Don’t want to move the couch yourself? Hire a local junk hauling company to do all the heavy lifting and disposal for you.
Recommended Junk Removal Services:
1-800-GOT-JUNK? – Fort Lauderdale
Tel: 1-800-468-5865
1800gotjunk.com
Junk King Fort Lauderdale
881 NE 30th St, Oakland Park, FL 33334
Tel: 954-514-9333
https://www.junk-king.com/fortlauderdale
Typical Cost: Around $80–$160 per item, depending on location, effort required, and any additional items you want hauled.
5. Rent a Dumpster for Multi-Item Cleanouts
Planning a renovation, moving out, or handling an estate cleanout? Dumpster rental is a smart choice when you need to dispose of more than just a single couch.
Situations That Call for a Dumpster:
Home remodeling projects
Eviction or foreclosure cleanouts
Large-scale decluttering
Post-flood or hurricane damage
Local Dumpster Rental Options in Fort Lauderdale:
Elgins Dumpsters – Fort Lauderdale
Tel: (954) 338-4406
Bin There Dump That Southeast Florida Dumpster Rentals
Tel: 543-919-975
Most homeowners opt for a 10- or 15-yard dumpster for furniture-related jobs.
Rentals typically range from 3 to 7 days, with driveway-friendly delivery.
6. Repurpose or Give Away Your Couch Online
If your couch is functional but doesn’t meet donation criteria, give it away for free through online classifieds or neighborhood groups.
Top Platforms in Fort Lauderdale:
Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist Fort Lauderdale – “Free” section
Nextdoor
Freecycle South Florida – freecycle.org
Best Practices:
Include multiple photos, couch dimensions, and a note like “must pick up by [date]”
Specify pickup logistics (curbside, apartment, etc.)
Use tags like “free couch Fort Lauderdale” to increase reach
Choosing the Right Disposal Method for Your Project – Fort Lauderdale
| Disposal Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Curbside Bulk Pickup |
– Monthly service through the city – Accepts large items like couches – Convenient curbside set-out |
– Limited to scheduled days – Only certain types of items accepted – Not all addresses qualify automatically |
| Donate to Local Charities |
– Supports the community – Reduces landfill waste – Pickup may be offered by some charities |
– Items must be in usable condition – Appointment needed in most cases – Limited by nonprofit rules |
| Drop Off at a Landfill |
– Fast self-service option – Drop-off locations available countywide – Accepts damaged or soiled items |
– Requires a vehicle and loading – Possible tipping fees – Limited to residents of participating cities |
| Hire a Junk Removal Service |
– Hassle-free pickup – No lifting or transportation required – Can handle multiple bulky items |
– Higher cost service – Price varies with item size and access – Must coordinate availability |
| Rent a Dumpster |
– Ideal for major cleanups – Easy to dispose of multiple items at once – Extended rental options available |
– Requires driveway or space clearance – Pricing based on size and rental period – May require a permit depending on location |
| Give Away or Repurpose Online |
– Completely free to use – Quick when demand is high – Great way to help a neighbor |
– May take time to find a taker – Requires communication and planning – No-shows are common |
What Not to Do When Disposing of a Sofa in Fort Lauderdale
Getting rid of a sofa in Fort Lauderdale might seem simple—but if done incorrectly, it can lead to fines, missed pickups, or violations from your HOA. Here are the most important mistakes to avoid:
❌ Dumping in Alleys or on Public Property
Leaving furniture on sidewalks, by canals, or in vacant lots without scheduling is considered illegal dumping under Broward County code.
– Fines can exceed $250 for first offenses
– Repeat violations may result in code enforcement actions or court appearances
– HOAs and neighborhoods often enforce their own penalties
Not sure if your disposal method is okay? Call 📞 (954) 828-8000 to confirm your pickup eligibility.
❌ Putting a Sofa in or Next to a Recycling Bin
Fort Lauderdale’s single-stream recycling system does not accept bulky items like furniture. Sofas contain materials that can ruin recycling loads.
– Placing a couch in recycling areas can lead to service disruptions
– May cause contamination of recyclable materials
❌ Ignoring Gated Community or Property Management Rules
Many buildings and associations in Fort Lauderdale have strict rules for furniture disposal.
– Curbside placement may not be allowed at all
– Some communities require private junk hauling or use of designated disposal days
**Solution:** Review your building’s waste policy or speak with your property manager before moving large items outside.
Local Regulations for Furniture Disposal in Fort Lauderdale
If you’re planning to dispose of a sofa in Fort Lauderdale, it’s essential to understand the city’s bulk trash guidelines to avoid fines or non-collection. Fort Lauderdale’s sanitation department provides monthly bulk waste pickup, but the service comes with placement rules and volume limits.
City of Fort Lauderdale Bulk Pickup Rules
Fort Lauderdale offers monthly bulk trash pickup for residents, which includes sofas, mattresses, and other large household furniture.
Important Guidelines:
Couches should be placed at the curb no earlier than 24 hours before your scheduled pickup
Bulk items must be out by 7:00 a.m. on the assigned collection day
Furniture must be positioned away from overhead wires, trees, and water meters
Items should be free of infestations, hazardous materials, or structural damage
Questions or Scheduling Info:
Call: (954) 828-8000
Online: fortlauderdale.gov/bulktrash
Improper placement, exceeding volume limits, or leaving items out on the wrong day can result in code violations or fines.