How to Get Rid of a Couch or Old Furniture in Paterson, NJ

✓ Last verified October 29, 2026 against official Paterson, New Jersey and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Paterson's bulk trash list includes sofas, couches, love seats, ottomans, chairs, tables and desks.
Schedule a curbside bulk pickup with the Recycle Coach Bulky Tool (since Sept. 2, 2025). FILCO's regular trash pickup doesn't take bulk items.
Or drop it off free at the DPW City Yard, 402 E. 16th St., Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.). Bring a photo ID showing Paterson residency.
Items must be manageable by two people.

Illustration of an old, worn three-seat couch

Your options in Paterson

Scheduled curbside bulk pickup Check with city

Paterson's garbage page says that since September 2, 2025, residents can schedule bulk pickups online through the Recycle Coach Bulky Tool, and it calls the pickup free. The city's 2023 Bulk Trash flyer said the first curbside pickup was free and later ones cost $50 each. Check the price when you book. The flyer's accepted list includes sofas, couches, love seats, ottomans, chairs, tables, desks and large wooden furniture. Items must be manageable by two people, and loose pieces must be bundled or contained.

Book: Recycle Coach Bulky Tool (linked from the city's Garbage Collection page)
Questions: Mayor's Office, (973) 321-1600

Sources: City of Paterson – Garbage Collection (bulk pickup and drop-off notices); City of Paterson – Bulk Trash Removal flyer (2023, PDF)

Drop off at the DPW City Yard Free

The City Yard accepts bulk items from Paterson residents, and the 2023 flyer says drop-off is free. Bring a valid photo ID showing Paterson residency. Commercial vehicles aren't allowed unless you've made arrangements with DPW. The 2025 notice lists Monday–Saturday hours with a midday closure and doesn't mention Sunday, so call before planning a Sunday trip.

Address: 402 E. 16th St., Paterson, NJ 07514
Hours (2025 notice): Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m., closed 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. daily
Bring: Valid photo ID with Paterson address

Sources: City of Paterson – Garbage Collection (bulk pickup and drop-off notices); City of Paterson – Bulk Trash Removal flyer (2023, PDF)

Old worn fabric couch left on the sidewalk in front of brick row houses — Old couches & furniture: check the Paterson rules above before you set anything out or drive it to a drop-off.

Don't do this

Don't put a couch out with regular FILCO trash. It needs a scheduled bulk pickup or a City Yard drop-off.
Don't put out anything two people can't handle.
Don't add paint, tires, construction debris or hazardous materials to a bulk pickup. Paterson lists them as unacceptable.

Or pay someone to haul it

If you can't get it to a drop-off site, or can't wait for city pickup, a junk-removal service can take it from inside your home. Prices depend on the company, your location and the size of the load, so get a quote first. Ask whether they recycle or donate items and whether they follow Paterson's rules, especially for electronics and paint. Another option is to hire moving helpers by the hour: they do the lifting, and with a truck they can drive it to a drop-off site. They move it where you tell them, so pick a legal destination from this guide.

Rather not haul it? See prices for pickup help in the Paterson area

Someone else does the lifting for your couch. You choose the day and where it goes.

Two helpers carrying an old couch down a front walk to a pickup truck

Hourly helpers + truck

Hourly movers/helpers with a truck, you direct the job: they carry it out and drive it where you say. Not a junk-removal company.
See prices & book helpers
HireAHelper lists independent moving helpers paid by the hour. It is not a junk-removal company: they move it where you tell them, so pick a legal drop-off from this guide. Prices depend on your job, and any drop-off fee is separate.

Sponsored link: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Does Paterson pick up couches?

Yes. Sofas, couches and love seats are on the city's bulk trash list. Schedule a pickup in the Recycle Coach Bulky Tool, or drop the couch off free at the City Yard, 402 E. 16th St.

Is Paterson bulk pickup free?

Drop-off at the City Yard is free. For curbside pickup, the city's 2025 notice calls it free, but the 2023 flyer charged $50 for each pickup after the first. Check the price when you book, or call (973) 321-1600.

Sources

All checked on October 29, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.