How to Dispose of a Sofa in Japan
How to Dispose of a Sofa in Japan
Remove and separate cushion covers (布カバー) — put them in burnable garbage bags separately. This reduces the bulky waste volume.
Measure the sofa's dimensions (width × depth × height) — some wards charge by the number of seats (1/2/3+), others by dimensions.
Book via your ward's online portal or waste centre. Indicate the number of seats and type (sofa, sofa bed, sectional).
On collection day, place the sofa at the designated collection point — do not block walkways.
General Rules Across Japan
Sofas are bulky waste (粗大ごみ) throughout Japan. Sofa beds (ソファベッド) may cost more than regular sofas due to the metal frame mechanism.
Fee Information
1-seat: ¥1,500–¥2,000. 2-seat: ¥2,000–¥3,500. 3-seat: ¥3,000–¥5,000. Sofa beds: add ¥500–¥1,000.
Practical Tips
- Sofa beds are significantly heavier — mention this when booking if your collection point involves stairs.
Alternatives to Throwing Away
- Mercari, Yahoo Auction, Junk Days (ジモティー) — sofas in good condition are frequently picked up free.
- Second-hand furniture stores — some accept sofas. Hard Off often takes L-shaped or small sofas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disassemble a sofa and put the parts in regular garbage?
Only the fabric/cushion covers can go in burnable waste. The foam, springs, and wooden/metal frame all require bulky waste booking — you cannot work around it by disassembly.