How to get rid of a couch in San Francisco, CA

Schedule a free Recology Bulky Item Collection online or at 415-330-1300. On your date, put the couch at the curb with a "RECOLOGY" sign. Living room furniture is on Recology's accepted list.

Last checked against the official Recology San Francisco (City-franchised collector), with SF Environment website. See sources.

Cost
Free (2 pickups/year for ≤5-unit buildings)
How
Schedule online or 415-330-1300
Limit
10 items per appointment

Option 1: City pickup (Recology curbside Bulky Item Collection)

Who can use it

  • Buildings with 5 units or fewer: two no-charge curbside collections per year.
  • Buildings with 6 or more units: each unit can get one no-charge curbside collection.

How to book

  1. Schedule online with Recology or call 415-330-1300. You must schedule before putting anything at the curb.
  2. Cancel by 12 p.m. the business day before (for a Monday pickup, call before noon Friday), or use the cancel link in your confirmation email.

Couch rules

  • Living room furniture is an accepted bulky item.
  • Items over 100 pounds are treated as oversized.

Setting it out

  • Place items next to the curb in front of your building on your pickup date, without blocking the sidewalk.
  • Attach a sign that reads "RECOLOGY".
  • Up to 10 items per appointment.

Fees and limits

  • Eligible curbside collections are free.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • Recology San Francisco Transfer Station, 501 Tunnel Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94134, (415) 330-1400. Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStores generally take furniture in gently used or like-new condition. Each ReStore is run locally and sets its own rules, and some offer free pickup of large items. Find yours with the ReStore locator.
  • Recology encourages donating usable furniture, such as sofas and tables, to local non-profits.

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

What we could not confirm

  • Recology's oversized category covers anything over 100 pounds. We could not confirm how a very heavy sleeper sofa is handled, so ask when you book.

Common questions

Is couch pickup free in San Francisco?
Yes, within your building's free bulky collections per year.
Do I need a sign?
Yes. Attach a sign that reads "RECOLOGY".

Sources

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

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