How to get rid of a couch in Baltimore, MD

Call 311 (or use 311 Online) at least 4 working days before your monthly bulk Saturday, then set the couch out by 7 a.m., marked "bulk collection", where your trash is picked up. Sofas are on the City's accepted list, up to 3 items a month.

Last checked against the official Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) website. See sources.

Cost
No fee listed
When
Your monthly bulk Saturday
Book
Call 311, 4+ working days ahead

The Western (Reedbird) Residential Drop-Off Center is open Saturdays only (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) during a facility modernization project.

Option 1: City pickup (Monthly bulk trash pickup (call 311 to schedule))

Who can use it

  • For City of Baltimore residents; up to 3 bulk items each month.
  • Drop-off centers are for Baltimore City residents with valid ID.

How to book

  1. Call 311 (outside the City: 443-263-2220) or use 311 Online to find your bulk Saturday and get on the schedule.
  2. Give your address, phone number and the 3 items you want picked up.
  3. Call 4 or more working days before your scheduled Saturday.

Couch rules

  • Sofas, chairs and other furniture are listed as accepted bulk items.
  • Mark it "bulk collection" and put it at your regular trash pickup spot.

Setting it out

  • Mark every item "bulk collection" and place it where your regular trash is picked up.
  • Set items out by 7 a.m. on pickup day and keep pets indoors.
  • Rear pickup: leave items at the end of the yard with the gate unlocked.
  • Not accepted: building materials (sheetrock, siding, wood pieces, roofing), auto parts, paint or stain, and flammable or hazardous waste.

Fees and limits

  • The City lists no fee for bulk trash pickup.
  • Residential Drop-Off Centers are free for City residents. Since Nov 1, 2025, a $135-per-ton fee applies to residents and haulers disposing of non-hazardous solid waste at the Quarantine Road Landfill itself.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • Residential Drop-Off Centers take furniture free from City residents with ID.
  • Residential Drop-Off Centers (free for City residents with ID; furniture, other bulk items and appliances accepted): Eastern, 6101 Bowley's Lane, Mon to Sat 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sisson Street, 2840 Sisson St, Mon to Sat 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Northwest Transfer Station, 5030 Reisterstown Road, Mon to Sat 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Quarantine Road, 6100 Quarantine Road, Mon to Sat 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Western (Reedbird), 701 Reedbird Ave, Saturday only, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., during a modernization project.
  • Residents (not small haulers) are limited to 2 loads a day and 5 a week, in a car, unmodified van or minivan, or an unmodified pickup no larger than 3/4 ton.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity's national guidance: furniture should be gently used or like new. Check with your local ReStore first.

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

What we could not confirm

  • The City does not publish a date-by-date bulk calendar; call 311 to learn your bulk Saturday.

Common questions

Does Baltimore pick up couches?
Yes. Sofas are accepted bulk items, up to 3 items a month on your scheduled Saturday.
How do I schedule?
Call 311 or use 311 Online at least 4 working days before your bulk Saturday, with your address, phone number and items.
Is there a fee?
The City lists no fee for bulk pickup, and the Residential Drop-Off Centers are free for residents.

Sources

Last checked Oct 23, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

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