Can I put furniture on the curb in Howard County?

Howard County does not offer curbside bulk pickup for furniture. Leaving furniture on the curb can result in fines. You must take it to Alpha Ridge Landfill or hire a removal service.

Where can I donate furniture in Howard County?

Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and A Wider Circle all accept furniture donations in good condition. Some offer free pickup for large items.

How much does it cost to dump furniture at Alpha Ridge?

Alpha Ridge Landfill charges by weight for large loads. Small amounts of furniture from Howard County residents are typically accepted at the Residents' Convenience Center for free.

Will Goodwill pick up furniture?

Goodwill locations in Howard County are drop-off only and don't offer furniture pickup. For pickup, try Salvation Army, Habitat ReStore, or GreenDrop.

What furniture items cannot be donated?

Most charities won't accept furniture with major stains, tears, pet damage, bed bugs, broken frames, or strong odors. Sleeper sofas with worn mattresses are often rejected.

How to Dispose of Furniture in Howard County

The short answer: If it's in good shape, donate it! If not, take it to Alpha Ridge Landfill or hire a removal service. Howard County does NOT offer curbside furniture pickup.

Old furniture including couch, chairs, and table ready for disposal or donation in Howard County

Donate or Dispose? A Quick Decision

Is Your Furniture Donatable?

DONATE If...

Clean, no major stains or tears. Structurally sound. No pet damage or odors. Less than 10-15 years old. Working (for recliners, sleepers).

DISPOSE If...

Broken frame or legs. Major stains, rips, or burns. Bed bugs or pest damage. Strong odors (smoke, mildew). Severely outdated or worn.

Your Options for Furniture Disposal

Option 1: Donate It

Good furniture helps families in need AND keeps items out of landfills. Many places offer free pickup!

Habitat ReStore

Furniture, home goods, building materials

🚛 Free Pickup

Salvation Army

Furniture, appliances, household items

🚛 Free Pickup

A Wider Circle

Beds, dressers, tables for families in need

📍 Drop-off

Goodwill

Small to medium furniture items

📍 Drop-off Only

Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm they're accepting furniture and to schedule pickup. See our Donation Map for all locations and contact info.

Option 2: Alpha Ridge Landfill

Free drop-off for Howard County residents at the Residents' Convenience Center.

Cost: Free for small loads (residents only)

Address: 2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

What to bring: Valid ID proving Howard County residency

Note: You'll need a truck or SUV to transport large furniture

Option 3: Sell or Give Away

If your furniture has life left, someone might want it!

Facebook Marketplace: Best for local pickup, free to list

Craigslist: "Free" section gets fast responses

Nextdoor: Neighbors love free furniture

Buy Nothing Groups: Hyper-local gifting communities

Tip: Post as "curb alert" and it'll disappear within hours

Option 4: Hire Grime To Dime (Same-Day Pickup)

No truck? No time? We handle everything—from your living room to gone. Perfect for multiple pieces or hard-to-move items.

Cost: Starting at $75 (based on volume)

Best for: Multiple items, upstairs removal, no vehicle, tight timeline

We donate: Any furniture in good condition goes to local charities—we provide a receipt

Service area: All of Howard County

Get a Free Quote →

Pro Tip

If you're replacing furniture, ask the delivery company about haul-away. Many furniture stores offer removal of old pieces when delivering new ones (sometimes for a fee).

What About Specific Items?

Sofas & Couches

Heavy and bulky—donation pickup or junk removal is easiest. If donating, must be free of stains, tears, and odors. Sleeper sofas are harder to donate due to mattress condition.

Mattresses & Box Springs

See our dedicated Mattress Disposal Guide—different rules apply.

Dining Tables & Chairs

Highly donatable if in good condition. Complete sets are preferred. Scratches and wear are usually acceptable.

Dressers & Bedroom Furniture

Very popular at donation centers. Check that drawers slide properly and mirrors aren't cracked.

Office Furniture

Desks, chairs, and filing cabinets can go to Habitat ReStore or be sold. Ergonomic chairs in good condition sell quickly online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave furniture by the dumpster at my apartment?

No—this is illegal dumping and can result in fines from your property manager or the county. Contact your leasing office about bulk item policies or hire a removal service.

How do I get a couch out of a basement?

This is where professionals help. We navigate stairs, tight corners, and tricky doorways daily. Get a quote—it's often cheaper than you'd expect.

Is IKEA furniture worth donating?

If it's in good condition and fully assembled, yes! However, IKEA furniture that's been disassembled multiple times may not hold up. Use your judgment.

What if my furniture has bed bugs?

Do NOT donate or sell it. Wrap it in plastic, clearly label it "BED BUGS," and take it directly to Alpha Ridge Landfill. Hiring a junk removal service that handles infested items is safest.