Imagine waking up every morning with a sore neck or finding your previously white pillow mysteriously yellow. It's time to throw in the towel: your favorite pillow has ended its life. We've all been there – the comfortable lump, the sagging support, the subtle scent of, let's just say, 'well-used.' It's time to part with your old pillow. But what to do with old pillows when it's time for renewal?
Dumping them in the garbage seems wasteful and hurtful to the earth. Fortunately, numerous environmentally friendly options exist besides dumping them in the trash. This guide will examine various possibilities for repurposing, donating, and recycling your old pillows, minimizing your impact on the earth while discovering new uses for these seemingly redundant objects.
Ways to Make Use of Your Old Pillows
You should not immediately dispose of them; there is always a lot that you could do with these old pillows, which include repurposing, donating, or even recycling. Do not worry- you'll find many options if you choose any. Here are the ideas to begin:
- Repurpose Old Pillows
- Donate Old Pillows
- Recycle Old Pillows
How to Repurpose Old Pillows?
There is a creative way to breathe life into old pillows while avoiding the waste generated from them. Here are some of the creative ideas:
- Cushions for Furniture: Use the pillow filling to make custom cushions for chairs, benches, or outdoor furniture.
- Pet Beds: Turn the old pillow into a comfy bed for your pets by covering it with fabric or a washable pillowcase.
- Draft Stoppers: Stuff old pillows into a tube shape to stuff drafts out of the way near doors and windows.
- Stuffed Toys or Pillows: Use the filling to create new decorative pillows or stuffed animals.
- Plant Support: Cut up pillows and use them as padding or support for potted, significantly larger ones that need extra stability.
How to Donate Old Pillows?
Donate old pillows for recycling and to those who need them. Many charities will have some limitations on the condition of acceptable items. These are the ways one can donate old pillows.
Check Local Charities and Homeless Shelters
- Homeless and women's shelters often accept donations of pillows in good condition.
- Veterans organizations may also accept pillow donations if they're still usable.
Look for Donation Centers
- Goodwill and The Salvation Army may take pillows, but call ahead to see if they need them.
- Local thrift stores or churches may also be a good source.
Animal Shelters
Some animal shelters accept old pillows to use as bedding for animals. Call ahead to confirm.
Upcycle or Repurpose
If your pillows are too worn out to be donated, try to reuse them for craft projects, as pet bedding, or even as a fill for new things such as stuffed animals or cushions.
Wash Before Donating
Make sure the pillows are clean and still in good condition. The majority of donation stations will insist upon items being cleaned before donation.
How to Recycle Old Pillows?
It is challenging to recycle old pillows because regular curbside recycling programs do not usually accept them. There are still some options to repurpose them, though:
Repurpose for Crafts or DIY Projects
Stuffing for Crafts: You can use the filling from old pillows for homemade stuffed animals, cushions, or pet toys.
Create Floor Cushions: If the pillow is still in decent condition, use it to create cozy floor cushions or seating pads for a living room or garden.
Recycle the Materials
Fabric: Some fabric recycling initiatives could occur if the pillowcase is cotton or polyester. Check with your local recycler to determine if they take fabric.
Foam and Polyester Fill: If the pillow contains foam, determine if any specialized recycling plants process foam products. Some municipalities offer foam recycling programs, or companies can take it to be reused.
Use as Insulation
Specific organizations recycle the old pillows for insulation products, primarily if the filling is man-made. If you are unsure, call environmental recycling centers or environmentally friendly businesses.
Donate to Animal Shelters or Farms
Although this isn't precisely "recycling," giving used pillows to animal shelters or farms for bedding can keep them from landfills while providing practical use.
Compost (Natural Fill Only)
If you have a natural fill pillow filled with wool or cotton, you can compost the fill (without the synthetic portion). Make sure you take off non-compostable material, such as plastic zippers.
Textile Recycling Centers
Certain textile recycling facilities in some locations will accept old, worn-out textiles (including pillows). The facility will take the fabric and recycle it to make something new.
When to Get Rid of Your Old Pillows?
Understanding how to dispose of old pillows can greatly impact your sleeping quality and health. Below are some indications that it is time to bid farewell to your old pillows:
- If your pillow is flat, lumpy, or no longer returns to its original shape after you've used it, it's no longer providing adequate support for your head and neck, which can cause discomfort or pain.
- Pillows are a favorite spot for dust mites, mold, and allergens to build up, particularly if they're older than a few years. If you're experiencing more allergies, sneezing, or other irritations, it may be time to get a new pillow.
- With time, pillows tend to soak sweat, oils, and other bodily secretions. It may be time to retire if your pillow smells or has visible stains, even when washed.
- Even with proper cleaning, pillows may lose effectiveness in a few years. Most experts advise replacing pillows every 1-2 years, particularly for allergy sufferers, although you may get more life from some good quality pillows (such as memory foam).
- If you have pain in your back or neck upon waking, your pillow isn't providing the correct support. If you have fluffed or shifted it and still feel discomfort, it's probably time for a new one.
- Some pillows (like down or foam) can’t be machine washed, and if they’ve accumulated a lot of grime or odors over time, they might be past the point of cleaning effectively.
- If the pillow is no longer soft and comfortable when you sleep on it, or if it's becoming uncomfortable to sleep on, it's probably time to replace it.
Improve Your Sleep with Eli & Elm Pillows
A good night's sleep is always about the pillow. Eli & Elm Pillows come in various shapes and sizes, from side-sleeping comfort to extra support and pregnancy pillow options. Built with comfort, support, and durability in mind, they make for an excellent selection for those seeking to elevate their sleep experience.

1. Side Sleeper Pillow
It will be much more comfortable for side sleepers and have perfect alignment. Designed to envelop the head and neck, the Side Sleeper pillow from Eli & Elm promises optimal spinal alignment while one rests. Unique shapes and an adjustable fill promise personalized support customized around your preferred sleep style. Whether you want to relieve neck pain or a comfortable night's sleep, this pillow reduces pressure points and keeps you aligned throughout the night. Made from breathable materials and constructed to withstand the toughest use, it delivers a luxuriant, restful night's sleep without sacrificing support.
2. Memory Foam Pillow
If you're a fan of the feel of memory foam, then Eli & Elm has designed the Everyday Memory Foam Pillow with you in mind. It combines the classic memory foam support with a breathable, cooling cover for the best of both worlds. The pillow is designed to contour to the natural curves of your head and neck, relieving pressure and helping you sleep better with better posture.
It also helps to cool the fabric to regulate your temperature so you are not too hot when sleeping. So, if you are experiencing neck pain, looking to improve sleep posture, or just love a soft yet supportive pillow, this one's for you.
3. Pregnancy Pillow
The sleep of an expectant mother may become very hard as the body changes. Pregnancy Pillow from Eli & Elm is a game-changer at this time. The pillow provides full-body support through its ergonomic design, which can help alleviate pressure on your back, hips, and belly while keeping you comfortable inside sleeping positions. Its shape is perfect for supporting the natural curve of your body to make it easier to sleep soundly during pregnancy. It is also adept enough for nursing support after the baby arrives.
Final Thoughts
When it is time to part with your old pillows, don't just throw them away—consider repurposing, donating, or recycling them to minimize waste. Many options exist, from transforming them into pet beds to donating them to shelters.
And if you are ready for a change, Eli & Elm boasts pillows designed to keep comfort and support in mind, whether you are a side sleeper, needing memory foam, or expecting. Select the pillow that fits perfectly with your sleep needs and refreshes you, all while being kind to the planet.