The most common solutions for unwanted sofas, three-piece suites and other furniture is to donate them to charity, freecycle them or dispose of them responsibly by taking the furniture to your local recycling centre,
or you can check whether your local council provide a bulky collection service.
Legislation changed in 2023 concerning the waste disposal of upholstered domestic furniture.
The change was instigated by the Environment Agency and decrees that domestic furniture can’t be disposed of via landfill – it must be incinerated, instead. This is because some of the chemicals used in the seating can have a harmful effect on the environment if not disposed of correctly.
All furniture covered by leather, synthetic leather and foam is also included.
You can donate unwanted upholstered furniture at 18 recycling centres across Greater Manchester that help to stock our three Renew shops and our online Renew Market selling pre-loved household items at affordable prices.
The aim of the shops and online portal is to reduce waste, reuse unwanted items and increase recycling rates. Many of the items donated by residents would have otherwise gone to waste.
Here’s where you will find a Renew shop:
So far, residents have raised more than £1million for local good causes by donating their unwanted household items and buying second hand instead of new through the Renew project.
All the money raised by the shops will go to support local communities through two Greater Manchester initiatives. Each year money raised through sales made in the Renew shops will be donated as follows:
The changes in legislation shouldn’t affect donations to charity shops. Upholstered furniture can still be donated as long as it’s in good enough condition to be sold on. Charity shops, including our Renew shops and online portal, will only accept upholstered domestic furniture that meets fire retardant standards, so check before contacting them.
