Colin Snow
Pillows are a breeding ground for dust and bacteria, so it's important to know when to replace them. On average, pillows should be replaced every one to two years, depending on their quality and how well they've been maintained. When the time comes to replace your pillows, there are several environmentally friendly ways to dispose of them, including repurposing, donating, and recycling.
What to do with old sleeping pillows
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Throwing away | Not recommended as pillows are not biodegradable and will sit in landfills for a long time |
| Repurpose | Use as a door stopper, packing material, stuffing for bean bags, draft blocker, knee pad, etc. |
| Donate | Homeless shelters or animal shelters |
| Recycle | Earth911 Recycling Search, American Textile Recycling Service, TerraCycle |
| Compost | If the filling is made of natural materials like feathers, rubber latex or organic cotton |
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What You'll Learn
Donate to homeless or animal shelters
Donating old pillows to homeless shelters or people experiencing houselessness is a great way to give them a new lease of life. Homeless shelters are often in need of bedding, and pillows are the most requested item from homeless charities. You can use tools like Homeless.org to find local housing shelters that may be in need of bedding donations.
Pillows can be a great help to those who are homeless, and they will be gratefully received by those who need them. It is important to wash the pillows before donating them. If you are donating directly to people experiencing houselessness, you can give them to a mobile health clinic, which will distribute them to patients.
Animal shelters are another option for donating old pillows. Many local animal charities and shelters accept pillows for pet bedding. Some pet charity shops may also accept them, such as the RSPCA. It is always a good idea to wash the pillows before donating them to animal shelters.
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Revitalise bean bags
Bean bags can be revitalised by using the filling from old pillows. Carefully cut the pillows open and remove the filling inside. Then, take the pillow filling and add it to the bean bag, distributing it evenly to ensure consistent comfort. This method allows you to rejuvenate your bean bag by providing additional padding and support, enhancing its cosiness for relaxation and lounging.
If your bean bag is looking a little flat, consider using old pillow stuffing to give it new life. You can carefully cut open your old pillows and remove the stuffing. Make sure to use pillows that are still in good condition and wash them before adding the filling to your bean bag.
You can also use the fabric from old pillows to create a unique cover for your bean bag. Cut the fabric to the desired size and shape, and sew it together to fit your bean bag. This is a great way to personalise your bean bag and give it a new look.
If you have multiple old pillows, you can combine the stuffing to create a fuller bean bag. Mix and match the fillings to achieve the desired level of comfort and support. Just remember to wash the pillows before using their stuffing, especially if they will be coming into contact with children or pets.
By upcycling your old pillows in this way, you can extend their lifespan and avoid sending them to landfills, which can harm the environment.
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Make cleaning rags
Old pillows can be transformed into cleaning rags. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, open up the pillow and remove the stuffing. This can be done by carefully cutting the pillow open and taking out the filling. The type of filling will vary depending on the pillow, so it is important to be cautious when opening it up.
After removing the stuffing, cut the remaining fabric into square pieces. These pieces can then be used as cleaning rags. The number of rags that can be created will depend on the size of the pillow and the desired size of the rags.
These homemade cleaning rags can be used for a variety of purposes. They are ideal for dusting and wiping down surfaces such as windowsills and ceiling fans. They are also suitable for cleaning delicate items such as musical instruments, as they are softer than regular rags and will not cause scratches or damage.
It is worth noting that the stuffing from the old pillows can be reused as well. It can be used to fluff up stuffed animals or rejuvenate a bean bag chair. If you are feeling creative, you can even use the stuffing for craft projects such as making amigurumi or stuffed animals.
By repurposing old pillows into cleaning rags, you not only extend the usefulness of the material but also avoid the need to purchase new rags, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to cleaning supplies.
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Compost
Before composting, research your pillow's materials and ensure it is safe to do so. Avoid composting materials with dyes, and do not compost synthetic fabric blends. Remove any zippers, tags, or threading from the pillow before placing it in a composting bin.
If your pillow is filled with down or feathers, you can remove the stuffing from its shell and place it in a composting bin. The shell can then be disposed of as you would other household linen products. You can also add some vegetable scraps and used coffee granules to the compost bin. After approximately six months to a year, you will have a nitrogen-rich fertilizer that can be used in your garden.
Some recycling services, such as TerraCycle, offer boxes specifically for recycling pillows. They send you a box that you fill with your old pillows and send back for proper recycling. However, it is important to check with your local recycling center, as some facilities have specific guidelines for textiles and may accept pillows for recycling.
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Reuse for packing material
Pillows are typically replaced every one to two years. This is because pillows can lose their shape, support, and colour, and can even begin to collect bacteria or mould over time. When this happens, it is generally not advised to throw pillows away, as the materials in most of them are not biodegradable and will sit in landfills for a long time.
One way to reuse old pillows is as packing material. If you have the space, you can store your old pillows and use them as stuffing material when shipping something fragile or packing for a move. If you are tight on space, you can keep them in a vacuum-sealed bag and store them under your bed.
Old pillows can also be used as stuffing material for other items, such as a door stopper or a knee pad for gardening. You can take some of the stuffing and fill a long sock with it, or multiple socks sewn together. You can also use the stuffing to fluff up lumpy throw pillows or saggy sofa cushions.
If you are unable to reuse your old pillows, there are other environmentally friendly ways to dispose of them, such as donating, repurposing, or recycling them.
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Frequently asked questions
Old sleeping pillows can be recycled, donated, or repurposed. It is not advisable to throw them away as they can harm the environment by sitting in landfills for a long time.
You can recycle old pillows through services like Earth911 Recycling Search, American Textile Recycling Service, and TerraCycle. If the filling is made of plant-based foams (like natural rubber latex or feathers) and/or if the pillow fabric is made of a natural fiber like organic cotton, you can also compost them.
You can donate old pillows to homeless shelters or animal shelters. It is recommended to wash them thoroughly before donating. Some local charity and thrift stores may also accept pillow donations.
Old sleeping pillows can be used as stuffing for bean bags, draft stoppers, or pet beds. You can also use the fabric to create cleaning rags or reusable grocery bags.
