How to get rid of a couch in Austin, TX

If you are an Austin Resource Recovery curbside customer, book an on-demand bulk collection and set the couch at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your date. Furniture is on the City's list of accepted bulk items.

Last checked against the official Austin Resource Recovery (City of Austin) website. See sources.

Cost
No per-pickup fee is listed on the City's page for curbside customers
How
Book an on-demand bulk collection (app, online, or 3-1-1)
Limit
Up to 3 bulk collections per calendar year

Option 1: City pickup (On-demand bulk collection)

Who can use it

  • For Austin Resource Recovery residential customers: single-family homes and up to fourplexes in Austin, plus homes in certain Limited Districts.
  • Items will not be collected in an alley, in front of a vacant lot, or in front of a business.

How to book

  1. Book through the Austin Recycles app, online, or by calling Austin 3-1-1 (512-974-2000).
  2. Select every item you will set out. The scheduling system shows which items can be collected.
  3. You get an email confirmation and a reminder before your date.
  4. Appointments cannot be changed. To move a date, cancel the old one (using the same method you booked with) and book again.

Couch rules

  • Furniture is an accepted bulk item.
  • Put the couch in the non-metal pile, apart from any appliances or metal items.
  • Do not wrap it in bags. Bagged items are treated as extra trash and may cost extra.
  • The City says there are currently no recycling or reuse options for furniture collected through bulk collection, so it asks people to rehome or donate usable furniture first. A City furniture reuse warehouse is in the works.

Setting it out

  • Put items at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your appointment date.
  • Sort into separate piles: metal items and rigid plastics (this includes appliances with doors removed), non-metal items, and tires.
  • Keep items 5 feet from carts, mailboxes, fences or walls, water meters, utility boxes, fire hydrants and parked cars. Keep them out from under low tree limbs and power lines.
  • Do not put items in bags, boxes or other containers. Bags are treated as extra trash and may cost extra.

Fees and limits

  • The City's bulk collection page does not list a per-appointment fee for curbside customers. Bags set out with bulk items may be charged as extra trash.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • The City's Recycle and Reuse Center does not accept furniture.
  • Recycle and Reuse Center, 2514 Business Center Dr, Austin, TX 78744. Appointment required (Austin Recycles app or online). Free for Austin and Travis County residents. It does not accept furniture or mattresses.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts furniture in good, working condition and offers donation pickup. It does not accept broken or soiled furniture or sofa beds. See its donation guidelines.
  • The City also suggests giving it away through online marketplaces or to neighbors, friends or coworkers.

Donation rules are set by each charity and can change. Call before you load up.

What we could not confirm

  • We could not find a City of Austin mattress recycling program.

Common questions

Does Austin pick up couches for free?
The City's bulk collection page does not list a per-appointment fee for curbside customers, and furniture is an accepted item. You can book up to three collections per calendar year. Bags set out with bulk items may be charged as extra trash.
Can I put my couch out without an appointment?
No. The City says appointments are required and items will not be picked up without one.
Can I drop a couch off at the Recycle and Reuse Center?
No. The center does not accept furniture.

Sources

Last checked Oct 21, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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