How to get rid of an old office chair in the UK

Option 1: sell or give it away

A working chair has value to someone. Local listing sites and community groups are the simplest way to pass one on. Premium chairs from Herman Miller, Steelcase and similar brands sell well second-hand, even with worn arms or castors, because parts are available.

Clean the chair, take clear photos, and give the model and any faults. For collection, have the chair ready by the door and agree a time. Our cleaning guide helps it look its best.

Option 2: donate to a reuse charity

Many UK furniture reuse charities accept office chairs in working condition, and some collect. Fire safety labels matter for upholstered furniture: charities often only accept upholstered items with the permanent fire safety label still attached, under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. Office chairs are often treated differently from domestic furniture, so ask the charity first.

Check that the gas lift holds height and the castors roll before offering it.

Option 3: council bulky waste collection

Most councils offer a bulky waste collection for a fee. You book online, list the items, and leave them outside on the agreed day. An office chair usually counts as one item. Fees and the number of items per collection vary by council, so check your own council's website.

This is the easiest option for a broken chair if you do not have a car big enough to take it to the tip.

Option 4: the household waste recycling centre

Your local household waste recycling centre, often called the tip, takes household furniture. Many centres ask you to put metal in the scrap metal skip and the rest in general waste or a furniture skip. Some centres now need a booking, and some limit van or trailer visits, so check before you go.

Staff can usually tell you where each part goes. Gas lifts are steel and go in scrap metal at most centres; leave them intact.

Splitting a chair for recycling

If your centre wants metal and the rest separated, you can remove the castors, base and gas lift easily. Our disassembly guide explains each step. You do not need to strip the upholstery.

Note:Do not cut, drill or heat the gas lift. It contains pressurised gas. Take it to the centre intact.

Getting it out of the house

Office chairs are awkward to carry through doors and down stairs because of the wide base and arms. Removing the castors and the back usually makes the chair small enough for a car boot and easier to carry. Lowering the seat fully and locking the tilt also helps it stay compact.

If you are booking a council collection, check where the item must be left, usually at the boundary of your property, and whether it needs to be out by a set time. Some councils will not collect from inside a building. Keep the chair dry if possible, as wet upholstery can be refused by reuse schemes.

Retailer take-back and replacements

Some retailers and makers offer to take away an old chair when delivering a new one, sometimes for a fee. Ask before you order. If you are replacing the chair, our ergonomic office chairs guide and under £300 guide compare current models.

Before you get rid of a chair, check whether a cheap part would fix it. Sinking seats and worn castors are common and inexpensive to fix; see our sinking chair guide.

See chairs under £300 →

Frequently asked questions

Can you put an office chair in a household bin? No. Chairs are bulky waste. Use a council collection, a recycling centre or reuse.

Can you recycle office chairs? The metal base and gas lift can usually go in scrap metal. Foam, fabric and mixed plastics usually go to general waste.

Can you take an office chair to the tip? Yes, most household waste recycling centres accept them. Check whether your centre needs a booking.

Can you recycle gaming chairs? In the same way as office chairs: metal parts to scrap, the rest to general waste, unless the chair can be reused.