Environmental Impact
In the United States, furniture disposal accounts for a significant portion of waste in landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), furniture, along with other large household items, makes up about 9-10% of the total municipal solid waste (MSW) stream. In 2018, approximately 9.8 million tons of furniture were discarded, contributing to the overall 292 million tons of MSW generated that year. A large portion of this waste consists of bulky items like couches, chairs, and mattresses, which are often difficult to recycle due to the materials they contain. By purchasing used furniture, consumers can help mitigate this waste, reducing the amount of valuable resources that end up in landfills.