Does Minneapolis pick up couches?

Yes, for City garbage customers, on garbage day with no appointment, if the couch is under six feet long. Hide-a-beds and recliners go out on recycling week.

Do I need to label it?

Yes. Attach a note that says "For Solid Waste" or it may not be collected.

How to get rid of a couch in Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis City garbage customers can set out a couch with regular garbage collection, no appointment: put it at the alley or curb by 6 a.m. on garbage day with a note saying "For Solid Waste." Couches must be under six feet long. Hide-a-beds and recliners go out on your recycling week instead.

Last checked Oct 30, 2026 against the official City of Minneapolis Public Works, Solid Waste & Recycling website. See sources.

When: Garbage day, by 6 a.m.
Limit: 2 large items
Mark it: "For Solid Waste"

Option 1: City pickup (Large item collection (with City garbage service, no appointment))

Who can use it

City of Minneapolis collection customers: your carts say "property of the City of Minneapolis".
If you have dumpsters or carts from a private hauler, you don't have City service. The City says to use Hennepin County's Green Disposal Guide instead.

How to book

No appointment. Set items out on your regular pickup day (garbage day or recycling week, depending on the item). Find your day with the City's pickup day lookup tool.
Missed pickup: call Solid Waste & Recycling at 612-673-2917 the next business day. Misses must be reported within two business days, and crews won't come back if the item wasn't out when they passed.

Couch rules

Couches (not hide-a-beds or recliners) go out on garbage day and must be less than six feet long.
Hide-a-bed couches and recliners are accepted on recycling week only. Crews tag them "We'll be back" and collect them the next business day.
Don't take the couch apart. Broken-down furniture may be tagged as building materials and left.
Two large items per collection day.

Setting it out

Up to two large items per collection day, at the alley or curb line by 6 a.m.
Attach a note to each item that says "For Solid Waste." Unmarked items may not be collected.
Recycling-week items get a "We'll be back" sticker and are picked up the next business day. Leave the item, sign and sticker in place until then.
Don't take furniture apart: broken-down furniture may be tagged as building materials, which the City does not pick up.

Fees and limits

Large item collection is part of City garbage collection. Solid Waste & Recycling fees are on your monthly City utility bill; the large-item page lists no separate charge.
Not collected: building materials, tires, auto parts, dirt, hazardous waste, liquids and railroad ties.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

The South Transfer Station takes household garbage and furniture from City customers with a voucher (call 612-673-2917 first).
South Transfer Station, 2850 20th Ave S: Tuesday to Friday 12:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For City customers only (City garbage or water service). You must call 612-673-2917 (weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) for a voucher before you go; you can't get one on site.
City garbage customers get up to six cleanup vouchers a year, each good for up to two large recyclable items (appliances, electronics, mattresses or box springs) plus up to 2,000 pounds of garbage. Each mattress or box spring counts as one item. Over the limit: $25 per appliance, electronic item, mattress or box spring, plus a $15 administrative fee, billed to the utility account (no cash or cards at the site).
Water-only customers can request a pay-per-use pass: $15 administrative fee, $40 minimum, $25 per appliance, electronic item, mattress or box spring (taxes and fees extra).

Option 3: Donate or give it away

Habitat for Humanity's national guidance: furniture should be gently used or like new. Each ReStore sets its own rules, so check with yours first (ReStore locator).
The City's drop-off page points to Hennepin County's Choose to Reuse map for places to sell, donate or repair items.

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

What we could not confirm

The City's pages don't say how a couch six feet or longer should be handled. Ask Solid Waste & Recycling before setting one out.
One City page lists Solid Waste & Recycling office hours as 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays; an older City page says 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call during the overlap if you need a voucher.

Common questions

Does Minneapolis pick up couches?: Yes, for City garbage customers, on garbage day with no appointment, if the couch is under six feet long. Hide-a-beds and recliners go out on recycling week.
Do I need to label it?: Yes. Attach a note that says "For Solid Waste" or it may not be collected.