How to get rid of a couch in Louisville, KY

Book a Large Item Pickup appointment online, then set the couch out where your garbage is collected after 4 p.m. the day before and by 6 a.m. on the day. The City names a couch as a large item; the service is for the Urban Services District.

Last checked against the official Louisville Metro Public Works (Solid Waste Management) website. See sources.

Cost
No fee listed
How
Book online, up to once a week
Limit
Up to 4 large items

Option 1: City pickup (Large Item Pickup by appointment)

Who can use it

  • Large Item Pickup is for addresses in the Urban Services District (the old City of Louisville boundaries) with Metro waste collection.
  • Outside the Urban Services District, the City says to contact your waste hauler about large item collection.
  • All items must come from the household where they are set out.

How to book

  1. Book online from the City's Junk and Bulk Trash Disposal page or the Waste Management District lookup. An email address is required.
  2. You get a PENDING email with a pending date (typically within 5 days), then a CONFIRMATION email two days before your appointment listing the approved items.
  3. Up to 4 large items per appointment, and up to one appointment per week.
  4. Questions: Metro311 at 311 or (502) 574-5000.

Couch rules

  • A couch is one of the City's examples of a large item.
  • Keep it intact. A sectional in several large pieces still counts as one item.
  • Do not leave loose cushions or small pieces on the ground; put them back on the couch or in your garbage cart.

Setting it out

  • Set out confirmed items after 4 p.m. the day before your appointment and by 6 a.m. on the day.
  • Put them where your garbage is collected. Items blocked by a vehicle will not be collected; do not block sidewalks or streets.
  • Keep items intact. Pieces broken small enough to fit in a cart will not be collected. A sectional couch or bed frame in several large pieces counts as one item.
  • Not accepted: bags or boxes of small items, yard waste, electronics, household hazardous waste, construction debris, lawn equipment, auto parts, and anything that contains or once contained Freon (refrigerators, air conditioners).

Fees and limits

  • The City lists no fee for Large Item Pickup.
  • Waste Reduction Center: residents can drop off up to 4 large household items a day free. Larger loads are charged by vehicle size, from $60 (pickup, van or trailer up to 10 ft). Debit or credit card only.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • You can also take it to the Waste Reduction Center (636 Meriwether Ave, entrance on Bland St), free for up to 4 large household items a day.
  • Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue (entrance on Bland Street). Tuesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free for residents for up to 4 large household items a day. Closed on Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and Christmas Day; closes at noon on the day before Thanksgiving, the Saturday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • The City suggests donating usable furniture first. It points to the Habitat for Humanity of Metro Louisville ReStore, Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul and other thrift stores, some of which offer pickup.
  • Habitat's national guidance: furniture should be gently used or like new. Check with the ReStore first.

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

What we could not confirm

  • The City's pages do not list a phone line just for Large Item Pickup; use Metro311 for questions.

Common questions

Does Louisville pick up couches?
Yes, by appointment through Large Item Pickup in the Urban Services District, up to 4 items per appointment.
Is there a fee?
The City lists no fee for Large Item Pickup. The Waste Reduction Center also takes up to 4 large household items a day free from residents.
I live outside the Urban Services District. What do I do?
The City says to contact your waste hauler about large item collection.

Sources

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