Spring cleaning might be over, but it’s not too late to get rid of old junk this summer. While most people choose to take vacations in the summer, it may be a good idea to avoid the crowds at touristy locations and long line ups to popular sights and stay home. Or, if you’re staying home this summer, consider taking the time to do some cleaning and tidying. You might have gotten on board with the Marie Kondo method of decluttering and sparking joy or you just want to get rid of the old junk sitting around your house. Whatever the reason, we’ve put together a guide with five ways to get rid of your old junk this summer.

Read on to find out what they are.

Tip 1: See old junk differently.

Tip 2: Recycle your old junk.

Tip 3: Donate your old junk.

Tip 4: Repurpose your old junk.

Tip 5: Sell your old junk.

There’s a simple reason why more people are shopping for used furniture — they’re often more affordable than brand new ones.

But, there are other reasons used furniture has such an appeal. Nowadays, furniture decor come in and out of style quickly in modern big-box stores, while you will have a higher chance of finding something special in a used furniture shop. Sometimes shopping at a used furniture store lets you marvel at the craftsmanship of each item, from coffee tables to desks, and from ottomans to couches.

It’s not to say you can’t find quality items in a big-box furniture store. You can, but why limit yourself to the big chains?

Benefits of Buying Used Furniture

Where do I start?

Nowadays, a quick Google search is our first step.

But do you know how to fully explore the used furniture stores near you?

One way to really get a good idea of what’s available is to not only search for ‘used furniture store’ in Google, but to include keywords like ‘liquidators’, ‘thrift stores’, ‘consignment furniture stores’ and ‘antique furniture store’. Many of these stores carry used furniture carefully vetted by the owners for quality.

You can also start with the places carrying used furniture below.

Used Furniture in Abbotsford

Similar to Craigslist, Used.ca is the Fraser Valley’s popular buy and sell online site. The site allows you to search by city, so be sure to type in Fraser Valley for the most accurate listings. Another option is to sort by items. If you’re looking for household furniture, you can search just for household furniture. Some listings we’ve found include cabinets, dressers, shelves, armchairs, and dining tables. Other listings include area rugs, coffee tables, and leather couches! Be sure to verify these listings before you purchase them. The benefit of searching on Used.ca is that these items would normally cost an arm and a leg. However, now you are able to purchase them at a reasonable price.

MCC Thrift Shop is a branch of the Mennonite Central Committee, located in Abbotsford. All the goods the organization sells benefit their local humanitarian programs. Much like the Salvation Army, the thrift shop relies on donated goods for sale. If you’re interested in helping a local organization support people struggling from poverty, conflict, and distress from natural disasters, head to MCC Thrift Shop. Items in their shop include used furniture, home decor, and kitchenware.

Their store is located: 33933 Gladys Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2S 2E8

L.I.F.E.’s Second Chance Store often have used appliances and furniture for sale. Local residents donate good-condition furniture to the store so that they can support the society’s mission. A registered non-profit, L.I.F.E Recovery helps women overcome substance addiction. So if you’re in the area, be sure to drop by their Second Chance store to shop for used furniture, clothing, shoes, and other items!

The store is located: 31550 S Fraser Way #7, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4C6

Recommended article: Cheap Furniture Stores in Richmond BC

Used Furniture in Vancouver

Based in Vancouver, Anzico Hotel Furniture Liquidators sells quality used hotel furniture. They have it all, from chairs to tables to desks and drawers. What people don’t realize is that hotel furniture aren’t only good for hotels; they can be used for living rooms, offices, or bedrooms. Most of the items are available at a reduced price. They also offer delivery options. Their online website shows the products they have in stock.

Their address: 250 Terminal Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 2L4

Consignment Canada carries mid to high-end upholstered furniture. The items are gently used and in good condition. What many people don’t realize is that while the items are second-hand, consignment stores like this one require all items in their shop to have resale value, and must fit their requirements to be sold. While you’re there, check out their artwork and jewellery sections.

A quick search on their website produces results including a teak table for $495 and a maple wood table for $895. Although pricier than most used furniture stores, you know exactly what you’re getting. Besides, buying used from a consignment store helps keep these well-crafted, antique pieces out of landfills.

Consignment Canada is located in North Vancouver. If it is a bit out of your way, consider making a day trip out to the North Shore. Who knows, you may find something extra special within your budget to complement your house!

Location: 171 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver, BC V7P 2R4

Turnabout Home, located at 3109 Granville St, Vancouver, is another furniture store that supplies used goods. They are similar to Consignment Canada in price — their furniture is not always cheap, but for the condition and quality it’s an acceptable trade-off. You can find gorgeous breakfast tables for $119.99, baby-blue swivel tub chairs for $599.99, and more. You can buy items online from their from their e-commerce store, and then pickup at their location in Vancouver.

Conclusion

One of the first places most people check for used furniture is Facebook Marketplace. However, did you know there are many stores in Vancouver and Abbotsford that carry gently used furniture? Compared to big box stores, consignment stores and hotel liquidators and thrift stores are treasure troves for those seeking timeless pieces. Also, used furniture stores help Metro Vancouver reduce the amount of furniture going into landfills. Many of these items are well crafted, timeless pieces, and are in need of a new owner. Many stores like the ones listed above carry furniture at a better price, and you can also shop for other items while you’re there. Who knows, you may be able to find a great deal on a nice piece of furniture for your home!

The companies mentioned in this post are not sponsored by Canadian Mattress Recycling. We are a local Delta BC company that takes pride in supporting the community around us. Often, we like to share information to help our readers navigate furniture and mattress shopping and recycling.

In the summer, many people take advantage of the nice weather to deep clean their house. When they deep clean, old furniture and beds are often the first large items to go. In the same manner, people often pack up and move in the summer, whether to a new rental or home. These major events cause an uptick in illegal dumping across Metro Vancouver.

Illegal Dumping in Canada

Illegal dumping has worsened over the years (Brend, 2019), causing the true cost to rise into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. People think they can get away with dumping old furniture and mattresses in alleyways or side streets. After all, someone else does it – so why not them? In fact, every time someone dumps an item illegally, it costs cities and their residents money to clean up the streets.

Illegal Dumping in Vancouver

People participate in illegal dumping for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they don’t even know it’s harmful to the city and the environment! Other times, people just simply don’t care. If they’re moving the next day, who is there to say they’d get caught?

Another reason people illegally dump their old items is because of bed bugs. Treating bed-bug infested mattresses and furniture can be costly, so the easiest way unfortunately for most people is to discard it.

Finally, illegal dumping can be attractive to city folk, especially since transporting mattresses and furniture to recyclers can be a hassle if they don’t have accessible transportation. Time, money, and fuel, can all be reasons why people choose to dump their items in backstreets instead.

Why Illegal Dumping Is Such a Big Deal

People living near illegally dumped items often complain of the unsightly mess. It’s a massive eyesore, plus, these dumped items cause a host of environmental issues on nearby habitats. Also, illegal dumping increases city budgets, diverting resources from pressing matters to keep the streets clean. These items, when left for a long time, attract unwanted pests such as bugs and animals. Finally the sight of these dumped mattresses will often encourage other people to follow suit, leading to an even bigger mess.

Reporting Illegal Dumping: How To Do It In Metro Vancouver

Vancouverites, simply use the city’s Van Connect phone app to report the issue. Or, visit their website to accomplish the same thing. Just provide a description of what was illegally dumped – a photo helps too! Then the city crew will be notified, and they’ll create a ticket and see to it that the mess gets removed.

Surrey residents can report illegal dumping activity here. Although illegal dumping is uncommon in the city, keep your eyes open for dumped appliances, mattresses, and furniture. Smaller appliances, such as kitchen tools, can also get dumped illegally. If you see any, please make a report.

Finally, Langley residents can report illegal dumping activities online or phone it in. All information you need is on their website.

Preventing Illegal Dumping In Metro Vancouver

The best way to prevent illegal dumping is to start conversations with family and friends about why it’s such a concern. When appropriate, mention the available large-item pickup services through cities, or suggest alternatives. You can also direct people to resources such as Waste Wizard and Metro Vancouver Recycles.

How to avoid last-minute large-item dumping when moving

1. Plan for junk removal service during a move
2. Budget for the cost of removing large items (furniture, mattresses)
3. Call a company ahead of time to book a service
4. Ask your family and friends to help transport items to a recycler

Alternatively, post items for sale on online marketplaces, donate the items, or give it to a coworker or friend who are looking for similar items.

Common Excuses for Illegal Dumping

Here are some common excuses justifying illegal dumping, and why they are a myth.

I don’t have access to a car.

As more residents ditch cars for bikes, commuting, or ride-sharing, having access to a vehicle that can haul a mattress or furniture can be a luxury. Even worse, most cars can’t fit these items.

Solution: Rent a pick-up truck, or borrow one from your family and friends

I can’t afford the tipping fees at the landfill.

Disposing of a mattress in landfills can be expensive these days. For example, Metro Vancouver landfills charge a levy on top of the dump fees for mattresses. This is done to encourage people to take old mattresses to a recycler, but the fees can be a barrier for some people.

Solution: Take the mattress to a recycler near you for a smaller fee, or budget for disposal.

Junk removal companies charge too much.

Shopping around the companies can lead to great deals to help you haul away your old mattress or furniture. Another option is to lift your items yourself into a car, and take it to a recycler. Alternatively, see if your neighbours have items to get rid of, so that you can all pitch in to rent a junk removal bin or service.

Solution: Haul the items yourself to the dump or recycler, or shop around for deals.

I’m moving last-minute, so I don’t have time.

Surprises can come any time, especially when you’re packing for a move. It’s easy to think we don’t have the time to dispose of your large items appropriately. However, when you take a break between packing and moving, consider calling a couple of mattress removal companies nearby. They’ll help schedule a pickup, and for some you don’t even need to be on site on the day of pickup.

Solution: Make the time to research a pickup service!

Someone else will be able to use the item I dump on the street.

This is actually a myth! When the item you leave on the side of the road disappears, such as an old bed, chances are they aren’t picked up by someone for reuse. City crew are called onto the site to remove the item instead.

Illegal dumping is a headache in most Canadian cities. Each summer, when people start to renovate, deep clean, or tidy up their house, furniture and mattresses often end up on the streets. Not only is illegally dumped garbage an eyesore, it is also bad for the environment. While there may be reasons people dump items illegally, we can all do our part to prevent this from happening. Illegal dumping costs cities hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, and it’s the taxpayers who pay in the end. Therefore, we hope this blog post helps shed light on the issue of illegal dumping and what you can do about it. Doing our part to preserve natural spaces in our amazing cities is the right thing to do.

Canadian Mattress Recycling Inc. is Metro Vancouver’s leading mattress recycler based in Delta, BC.

Is the process of finding out how to recycle a box spring stressing you out?

Box springs can be difficult items to recycle, or to get rid of from your home. Not only are they bulky, they’re also heavy to lift and difficult to transport in a regular car. And in cities such as Vancouver, many people are opting to ditching their cars, making it stressful to find out how to get rid of a box spring when the time comes.

Though, look no further – our guide will explain the six different ways you can dispose of a box spring. Some options may be more environmentally friendly than others. Still, as long as they’re disposed of properly and not illegally dumped in a back alley or side-street, that’s good enough!

Our tips below is written for Vancouver residents in mind. However, if you live abroad or in other Canadian cities, you might find our guide a helpful starting place.

Two methods to get rid of a box spring

1. Landfill the box spring

Most often than not, box springs are dumped in landfills. This is what most people do, with the services available from the city. Vancouverites and those who live in the Lower Mainland often take their box springs to the transfer stations, where they pay a levy and fee to dispose of their box spring. Some cities such as Richmond and Surrey sort the box springs they receive at the transfer stations. Clean or gently used box springs get transferred to a mattress recycler. Dirty or contaminated box springs are landfilled.

This is a process many have done before, for countless years. However, if you’re looking for a more sustainable option, keep reading.

2. Recycle the box spring

Did you know box springs can be recycled? Not all cities have box spring recycling programs, but if you live in Vancouver or the Lower Mainland, you’re in luck!

Vancouverites can take their box springs to a mattress recycler. The recycler will inspect your box spring to see if it can be recycled. Then, they’ll charge you a recycling fee – often $20 to $25 for each box spring. The box spring will then be recycled in their facility by laborers. Materials such as fabric, foam, polyester filling, and wood get separated and sorted. A special recycler will take these materials for recycling. This way, no materials end up in landfills.

Unfortunately, the truth is that not a lot of people know about recycling services like these. Still too many box springs end up in landfills each year across Canada. Worse, people dump box springs on the side of the road, or in alleys. Called illegal dumping, this action costs cities – and residents – thousands of dollars a year to clean up.

So whether you decide to landfill or recycle the box spring, both options are better than none.

Box Spring Disposal Services

Here’s another breakdown on how you can dispose of your box spring.

You can:

1. Take the box spring to a recycler

2. Take the box spring to a landfill site or transfer station

3. Book a large-item pickup through your city waste disposal services if they offer it

4. Book a large-item bin to dispose of your box springs

5. Hire a junk removal company to take your box spring from your house

6. Hire a mattress removal company to do the same thing

We will discuss the pros and cons of each option below.

One: Take the box spring to a recycler

Pros:

• The box spring will be recycled properly
• You save money by not having to hire someone to take your box spring
• You may save money on tipping fees and/or levies

Cons:

• You need your own form of transportation
• Box springs can be heavy to lift by yourself
• The recycler may be too far from your home

Two: Take the box spring to the local transfer station

Pros:

• Depending on the landfill, they may send your box spring to a recycler
• They may be located closer to where you live
• By doing the loading/unloading yourself, you save a lot of money

Cons:

• Transporting a box spring may not be easy for the average resident
• Strapping a box spring to the back of your truck may be dangerous
• You may have to pay an extra fee to dump box springs in a landfill

Three: Book a pickup through the city

Pros:

• The large item pickup may be free of charge for local residents
• You can leave the item outside and not have to be home for the pickup
• The box springs will be taken from your doorstep on time

Cons:

• There may be a limit on how many items you can get rid of a year
• You may have to wait to get rid of other box springs if you go over the limit
• They may come around only during specific days of the week

Four: Rent a dumpster

Pros:

• While you have the bin, you can also get rid of other junk in your home
• Some are priced by load or weight, not the item you get rid of
• The company will dump your items for you when the bin’s filled up

Cons:

• Bin rentals may charge by hour or day, or by load, and can get expensive really fast
• You may live in a townhouse or apartment suite, so there’s no room
• You may not know for sure if your items get recycled

Five: Hire a junk removal company

Pros:

• You don’t have to do the heavy lifting – a boon if you live in a townhouse or apartment suite
• You can often get rid of other junk outside of box springs with these companies
• Some items can be cheaper to get rid of, especially metal ones

Cons:

• Your box spring may not get recycled
• It can get pricey to remove and haul your box spring through a junk removal company
• You may have to rearrange your schedule to be home for the pickup

Six: Book a pickup through a recycler

Pros:

• You get to leave the heavy lifting to a professional
• You know for sure your box spring will get recycled
• Depending on the service, you may not even need to be home for the pickup day

Cons:

• The price of service can be more expensive
• The time of pickup  can be limited to specific hours
• There’s less flexibility in what they take if you have other items such as appliances