How to Get Rid of a Couch or Old Furniture in Philadelphia, PA

✓ Last verified October 29, 2026 against official Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Sofas and other compactible furniture can go out with regular trash, up to two large items per household per week.
For bigger loads or metal furniture, book the free Bulk Collection program: up to four items per appointment at bulkcollection.phila.gov or by calling 311. Keep furniture intact.
Or drop bulk items at a Sanitation Convenience Center (two per day for metal items or appliances), Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., with proof of residency.

Illustration of an old, worn three-seat couch

Your options in Philadelphia

Regular trash day (up to 2 large items a week) Free

The city's trash rules list sofas as compactible furniture that's accepted with curbside trash, limited to two items per week. The Bulk Collection announcement adds that crews keep collecting up to two large non-metal items per household on regular trash days.

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Residential trash and recycling rules; City of Philadelphia – Residential Bulk Collection Program announcement (Sept. 2024)

Free Bulk Collection appointment Free

The Department of Sanitation picks up household furniture, appliances, large toys and flat-screen TVs by appointment, up to four items per appointment. The city says not to dismantle furniture. It's for single-family homes and buildings with up to six units that get City trash service. Larger apartment buildings, condos and businesses must hire a private hauler. You'll get a 4-letter pickup code by email. Mark each item with it and set everything at your normal collection spot the evening before and by 7 a.m. on pickup day. Crews won't enter your home.

Book: bulkcollection.phila.gov or call 311
Limit: Up to 4 bulk items per appointment

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Schedule trash collection for bulky household items; City of Philadelphia – Bulk Collection Program flyer (PDF); City of Philadelphia – Residential Bulk Collection Program announcement (Sept. 2024)

Sanitation Convenience Center drop-off Free

Centers accept bulk items, large metal household items and appliances (two a day). Oversized items can be dropped off once a week. Show proof of Philadelphia residency, and use a vehicle under 6,000 pounds total weight. Commercial contractors and commercial loads aren't allowed.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed City holidays)
Locations: Southwest: 3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave. (215-685-4290) · Northwest: 300 block Domino Ln., near Umbria St. (215-685-2502) · West: 5100 Grays Ave. (215-685-2600) · Port Richmond: 3901 Delaware Ave. (215-685-1358) · Strawberry Mansion: 2601 Glenwood Ave. (215-685-4293) · Northeast: State Rd. & Ashburner St. (215-685-8072)

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Find a sanitation convenience center; City of Philadelphia – Sanitation Recycling & Holiday Guide 2025 (PDF; center addresses and phone numbers)

Hire helpers to carry it out Varies

City crews won't come inside. If you can't get a heavy sofa to the curb yourself, hourly moving helpers can carry it out for a fee.

Source: City of Philadelphia – Residential Bulk Collection Program announcement (Sept. 2024)

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

Don't do this

Don't take apart furniture for a Bulk Collection pickup. The city says to keep it intact.
Don't put out more than two large items on a regular trash day in one week.
Don't leave furniture on a vacant lot or sidewalk without a pickup. That's illegal dumping.

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 Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia 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

Will Philadelphia pick up a couch?

Yes. A sofa can go out with regular trash (up to two large items a week), or you can book a free Bulk Collection appointment for up to four items at bulkcollection.phila.gov or by calling 311.

I live in a big apartment building. Can I use Bulk Collection?

No. The program covers homes and buildings with up to six units. Larger buildings, condos and businesses must use a private hauler.

Can I drop off furniture in Philadelphia?

Yes, at any of six Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., with proof of residency. Oversized items are limited to one drop-off a week.

Sources

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