What to Do with Old Office Chair

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Got an Old Office Chair? Here’s What You Can Do!

Dusty and old office chairs stacked in a storage area – What to do with old office chair

If you’re wondering what to do with an old office chair, you’re not alone. Office chairs wear out over time, or you might be upgrading to a more ergonomic model. Instead of tossing it in the trash, consider these smart and eco-friendly ways to dispose of or repurpose your chair.

1. Donate It to Someone in Need

An office chair wrapped in bubble wrap next to packed boxes – What to do with old office chair? Prepare it for donation or resale by cleaning and packaging it properly.

Before tossing out your old office chair, consider whether it’s still in decent condition. Many individuals and organizations can benefit from a gently used office chair, especially if it’s still functional. Donating your chair not only helps someone in need but also keeps it out of landfills, reducing waste and supporting sustainability efforts.

Where to Donate:

Local Charities: Organizations like Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity ReStores often accept furniture donations and resell them at affordable prices to support community programs.
Schools and Community Centers: Many schools, libraries, and youth centers have limited budgets and appreciate donations of office furniture for staff and student use.
Churches and Shelters: Religious institutions and homeless shelters frequently provide workspaces or assistance programs where an office chair could be useful.
Online Platforms: Websites like Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle, or Craigslist (Free Section) allow you to connect with people looking for free furniture in your area.

By donating, you’re not just getting rid of your old chair—you’re giving it a second life and helping someone else in the process.

2. Sell It Online for Extra Cash

A black leather office chair with a 'For Sale' sign in an office – What to do with old office chair? Selling it second-hand is a great way to extend its use.

If your old office chair is still in good condition, why not turn it into extra cash? Many buyers are looking for affordable ergonomic chairs, especially premium brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, or Knoll, which retain value even when used. Selling your chair instead of discarding it not only helps you recoup some of your initial investment but also gives someone else the chance to get a quality chair at a lower price.

Where to Sell:

eBay: A great platform for reaching a broad audience, especially if you’re willing to ship.
Facebook Marketplace: Ideal for local buyers who prefer to pick up the chair instead of paying for shipping.
Craigslist: A classic option for selling used furniture with no platform fees.
OfferUp: A mobile-friendly marketplace focused on local sales.

Tips for a Successful Sale:

Take Clear Photos: Show multiple angles, including any wear and tear.
Include Accurate Details: Mention the brand, model, dimensions, and condition.
Set a Competitive Price: Check similar listings to price your chair fairly.
Be Responsive: Answer inquiries quickly and be clear about pickup or delivery options.

Selling your chair online is a win-win—you make some extra money, and someone gets a good chair at a lower price.

3. Repurpose It for a New Use

A before-and-after DIY office chair makeover with a stylish new cover – What to do with old office chair? Repurpose it with a creative redesign instead of throwing it away.

Instead of throwing away your old office chair, why not get creative and repurpose it? Upcycling can give your chair a second life, reducing waste while adding a unique touch to your home or workspace. Even if the chair is no longer ideal for office use, its frame, cushioning, or wheels can still serve other purposes.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Chair:

Gaming or Hobby Chair: If the seat is still comfortable, use it for gaming, crafting, or as a chair in a music studio. Add a cushion or reupholster it for extra comfort.
Patio or Garage Seating: If you no longer need it in your office, move it to your garage, patio, or workshop as an extra seat for casual use.
DIY Projects: Break it down and turn its parts into something entirely new:
- Pet Bed: Remove the seat cushion and repurpose it into a cozy bed for your dog or cat.
- Planter: Use the frame or seat as a base for a unique plant stand or garden display.
- Rolling Storage Cart: If the wheels still work, attach a small wooden or plastic shelf on top to create a mobile storage unit.

With a little creativity, your old office chair can be transformed into something useful, keeping it out of landfills while adding functionality to your space.

4. Recycle It Responsibly

A disassembled office chair with its parts laid out on the ground – What to do with old office chair? Recycling its metal and plastic components is an eco-friendly option.

If your office chair is beyond repair or reuse, recycling is the most eco-friendly option. Many office chairs are made from recyclable materials like metal, plastic, and fabric, which can be broken down and repurposed instead of ending up in a landfill.

Where to Recycle Your Office Chair:

Local Recycling Centers: Many cities have furniture recycling programs that accept office chairs. Search online or contact your local waste management service to check guidelines.
Manufacturer Take-Back Programs: Some brands, like Herman Miller, offer chair recycling programs where they take back used chairs and recycle or refurbish them responsibly.
Scrap Yards: If your chair has metal components, you can take them to a scrap yard where they’ll be melted down and reused.
Earth911 (www.earth911.com): Use this website to find recycling centers near you that accept furniture and office chairs.

How to Prepare Your Chair for Recycling:

Disassemble it if needed—separate metal, plastic, and fabric parts to make recycling easier.
Remove any non-recyclable parts like foam padding or synthetic leather that might not be accepted.
Check local recycling rules—some centers require materials to be sorted before drop-off.

Recycling ensures your old chair doesn’t contribute to environmental waste while giving its materials a second life in new products.

If you’re unsure whether your chair can be repaired instead of discarded, check out our guide on “can office chairs be repaired” to see if a simple fix can extend its lifespan.

5. Check for Trade-In or Buyback Programs

A chalkboard with ‘BUY’ and ‘SELL’ arrows in a cycle – What to do with old office chair? Join buy-and-sell groups to trade or sell used office furniture.

If you’re planning to replace your office chair, look into trade-in or buyback programs offered by furniture retailers and manufacturers. These programs allow you to exchange your used chair for store credit, a discount on a new purchase, or even cash, depending on the brand and condition of the chair.

Where to Check for Trade-In or Buyback Programs:

Nulife Chairs – We buy used Herman Miller Aeron chairs, specifically the classic version. If you have a chair you no longer need, we may offer a fair price for it. Looking to sell your used Herman Miller Aeron chair? Get a free quote from Nulife Chairs today!
Furniture Brands & Manufacturers – Some brands, like Steelcase and Herman Miller, occasionally offer trade-in options for used chairs.
Office Supply Stores – Office Depot and similar retailers sometimes have recycling or trade-in promotions.
Local Office Furniture Dealers – Some refurbished furniture shops accept trade-ins or offer store credit for used chairs in good condition.
Corporate Buyback Programs – If you’re upgrading multiple chairs, some companies specialize in bulk buybacks of office furniture.

How to Take Advantage of a Trade-In Program:

Check Nulife Chairs’ buyback program if you have a classic Herman Miller Aeron you want to sell. Reach out to us here for details.
Ensure your chair meets condition requirements—some programs only accept lightly used chairs.
Compare trade-in values to selling privately—you may get a better deal selling online.

If a buyback or trade-in is available, it’s a great way to save money on your next chair while ensuring your old one is reused or recycled responsibly.

6. Dispose of It Properly If Necessary

A person throwing an office chair into a landfill – What to do with old office chair? Instead of discarding it in a landfill, consider recycling or donating it.

If none of the options above work, and your office chair is beyond repair or recycling, it’s essential to dispose of it responsibly to minimize environmental impact. Many cities offer specific bulk waste disposal services to handle large furniture items.

Proper Disposal Options:

Bulk Trash Pickup: Some cities provide scheduled bulky item collection services—check with your local waste management department to see if they offer free or low-cost pickup.
Landfill Drop-Off: As a last resort, visit your local waste management center to learn about disposal regulations. Some landfills have dedicated areas for large furniture items.
Furniture Disposal Services: Private junk removal companies, like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? can handle chair disposal for a fee.

Before Disposing:

Remove recyclable parts (e.g., metal components) to minimize waste.
Confirm disposal guidelines with your local waste authority to avoid fines or improper dumping.

Proper disposal ensures that your old chair is handled safely and doesn’t contribute unnecessarily to landfill waste. If possible, recycling or donating is always the better choice.

Final Thoughts: Make an Eco-Friendly Choice

Before tossing out your old office chair, consider the options above to reduce waste and support sustainability. Whether you donate, recycle, repurpose, or sell, you can give your chair a second life and help the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions: what to do with an old office chair

1. Can I donate a used office chair?

Yes, if it’s still in good condition. Many charities, schools, shelters, and community centers accept gently used office chairs. Check with Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStores, or local nonprofits before donating.

2. Where can I sell my old office chair?

You can list it on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Craigslist, or OfferUp. High-quality ergonomic brands like Herman Miller or Steelcase tend to sell faster. Be sure to include clear photos, dimensions, and condition details.

3. Does Nulife Chairs buy used Herman Miller Aeron chairs?

Yes! Nulife Chairs buys classic Herman Miller Aeron chairs in good condition. If you have one to sell, contact us here for details on our buyback program.

4. Can office chairs be recycled?

Yes, most office chairs contain recyclable materials like metal, plastic, and fabric. You can take them to a local recycling center, scrap yard, or manufacturer take-back program.

5. How do I properly dispose of an old office chair?

If donation or recycling isn’t an option, check if your city offers bulk trash pickup or take it to a waste management facility. Some junk removal services, like 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, can also handle disposal for a fee.

What to Do with Old Office Chair: A Quick Guide