How To Dispose Of Your Old Office Chair

Knowing the best way to dispose of an office chair can be challenging. If it’s broken, no longer meets your needs, or you’re upgrading your office setup, it can be difficult to know the best way to throw your old chair away. Made of a mix of materials, these bulky items of furniture can’t just be taken away with your usual household waste.

Finding the right, responsible way to throw away your chair is crucial in a number of ways, including legal and environmental. To avoid your chair contributing to landfill waste or breaking restrictions around dumping large items, you’ll need to be sensible about how you go about getting rid of furniture like this. Fortunately, there are a number of ways that you can dispose of your office chair, be it recycling, donating, or arranging a collection.

So, where should you start? Our blog takes you through why proper disposal matters, how to prepare your old chairs for disposal, and the best ways to organise the process. Whether from your home office or your workspace, find out the most responsible and hassle-free solution.

 

Can I Just Throw Away My Office Chair?

While it can be tempting to simply pop that office chair you no longer need in a skip or leave it on the pavement, this isn’t the best, nor the most responsible, nor sometimes even the most legal way to dispose of your chair. Office chairs are classed as bulky waste, so there will be local regulations in place around how these items should be disposed of.

Local councils in the UK have strict guidelines for large household items, so leaving furniture out might incur fines for fly-tipping if you don’t organise proper collection. Plus, the mix of materials in your office chair might make it unsuitable for landfill.

In terms of environmental best practices, too, bulky items like office chairs can contribute to pollution and waste issues, as these materials will take decades to break down. Thinking about your own wallet as well as the planet, it’s often easier to recycle and rehome your office chair than leave it to chance on the street.

 

The Best Ways to Dispose of an Old Office Chair

When it comes to disposing of an office chair, the good news is you have several responsible options, whether it’s recycling, donating, or reselling. Here’s how to get rid of an old office chair without harming the environment or risking a fine.

 

Office Clearance

If you have a large number of chairs to dispose of, or if you are completely refurbishing your office, an office clearance could well be the best solution for you. This means the stress of the removal and disposal of your office chairs and other furniture is taken completely out of your hands.

This environmentally friendly solution ensures that your office chairs are either given extra life or disposed of safely and responsibly.

 

Recycling

Another eco-friendly option is to recycle your office chair. This is a good option if your chair is broken and won’t be much use to resell or repurpose. However, most office chairs consist of a range of materials that need to be recycled separately, so a little preparation before heading to the recycling centre may be required.

Disassembly is likely your first option. You can unscrew most chairs to separate the chair into different materials, including the following:

- Metal parts: Often recyclable as scrap metal.
- Plastics: Some local facilities accept for recycling.
- Foam padding: May not be accepted by all recycling centres, check locally.

To find your nearest recycling centre that accepts furniture, use services like Recycle Now or contact your local council for guidance on bulky waste recycling. Some councils also offer special collection days for furniture recycling.

 

Donating

If you simply have no need for your old office chair, whether you’re clearing out a school office or have a new chair for personal use, then donating your old chair can be the best option. A number of charities, schools, community centres, and other organisations would be happy to accept lightly used office furniture.

Donating helps extend the life of your office chair and keeps it out of landfill, so you can rest in the knowledge you’re doing the right thing for yourself and the planet!

Organisations like the British Heart Foundation and Emmaus accept furniture donations, and some even offer free collection services. Alternatively, online platforms like Freecycle, Freegle, or even Facebook Marketplace allow you to give your chair away to someone who needs it.

 

Reselling 

If your old office chair still has some life left in it, why not try selling it? Platforms like eBay, Gumtree, and Facebook Marketplace are ideal for finding local buyers. Good-quality, ergonomic chairs can be quite expensive when bought new, so there’s a healthy market for second-hand options.

When selling, make sure to include detailed photos and an honest description of the chair’s condition. Highlight any features like adjustable height, lumbar support, or brand names, which can increase interest and resale value.

 

Bulk Waste Collection

If recycling, donating, or selling aren’t practical options, you can arrange for a bulky waste collection. Many local councils offer bulky item collection services for a small fee. This is a convenient way to get rid of large items legally and responsibly.

 

How to Prepare Your Chair for Disposal

A little preparation of your office chair can make the disposal process smoother, whether you’re recycling, arranging collection, or selling your office chair. Here are our recommended tips for the best possible results:

1. Check your chair’s condition: This first step can determine whether your chair would be suitable for resale or donation, or whether it would be best to dispose of it in other ways.

2. Disassemble where possible: Most office chairs can be broken down into parts fairly easily, whether for ease of transport or to recycle different materials.

3. Give your chair a clean: If selling or donating, you can vacuum, wipe down, and deodorise your old chair for the next user to have the best possible usage.

4. Remove non-recyclable parts: If you’re recycling your old office chair, you’ll need to remove any materials that your local facility does not accept, such as some plastic parts or foam padding.

 

Office Chair Disposal FAQs

Can I put an office chair in a skip?

Generally, yes, you can put an office chair in a skip, but it’s not always the most responsible choice. Skip companies may have restrictions on what can be placed in their skips, and mixed-material items like office chairs can complicate the recycling process. If you’re hiring a skip, it’s best to check with the provider first.

Is it illegal to dump an old office chair?

Yes, it can be illegal to dump an old office chair in a public space or on private land without permission. This is considered fly-tipping under UK law and can result in hefty fines, sometimes up to £50,000 or even imprisonment in serious cases.

Can office chairs be recycled?

In most cases, yes, at least partially. Office chairs are typically made of metal, plastic, and foam, and many of these components can be recycled. Metal frames are commonly accepted at scrap metal centres, while certain plastics can be processed by specialised recycling facilities. However, foam padding and fabric upholstery are less commonly recyclable, so it’s important to check with your local recycling provider.

Who collects old office chairs near me?

Many local councils offer bulky waste collection services for old furniture, including office chairs. There are also private waste removal companies and clearance services that specialise in furniture disposal. Some even ensure that items are recycled or repurposed responsibly.

What should I do with a broken office chair?

If your chair is broken and beyond repair, recycling is often the best option. Disassemble the chair to separate recyclable parts like the metal frame or plastic seat. If recycling isn’t possible, arrange for bulky waste collection through your local council or a licensed waste disposal company.

If you are keen to freshen up your office, why not choose CK Office Furniture for quality and affordable office furniture? Contact us today to see how we can help you dispose of your old office chair and order new furniture.