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Last Updated September 15, 2025
Most of us have at least one pillow at home that’s past its prime. Maybe it’s gone flat after years of use, or it just doesn’t feel supportive anymore. You know it’s time to move on, but tossing it in the trash feels wasteful, and letting it sit in a closet only adds clutter. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative ways to give old pillows a second life, and that’s exactly what we will explore in this post.
Key Takeaways:
Before considering donation or recycling, think about whether you can repurpose your pillows at home. Repurposing is the easiest option, and it often solves everyday problems you didn’t even realize a pillow could fix.
When the living room gets crowded during family time or game nights, extra seating can be a lifesaver. Old pillows are easy to turn into floor cushions with a sturdy cover, and stacking a couple together makes them surprisingly comfortable. They don’t just work indoors either. You can repurpose them as a gardening cushion for kneeling outside or as a soft spot for yoga and meditation.
Pet beds can cost a small fortune, but old pillows make an easy and budget-friendly alternative. Tuck one inside a washable pillow cover, and you’ve got instant animal bedding that’s soft and familiar. Cats and small dogs especially love sinking into the cushy support, while larger pets might need two or three pillows layered together for extra padding in their bed.
Bubble wrap and packing peanuts add up quickly when you’re preparing for a move or shipping fragile items. Old pillows can step in as protective padding. Wrap them around picture frames, tuck them between furniture, or use the old pillow filling to protect fragile items. It’s a great way to save money and reduce waste.
Old bed pillows don’t have to end up in storage or the trash. With a little trimming and a fresh cover, you can give them a new life as decorative throw pillows. Cut them down to the right size, stitch the edges, and slip them into fabric that matches your style. You end up with a stylish accent for your couch or reading nook, and no one will know it started as an old pillow from your bed.
If you travel often, old pillows can be reshaped into practical travel pillows that give you the neck support you need on the go. Simply cut down the filling and sew it into a U-shaped case that fits around your neck, or make a small rectangular version that tucks easily into a carry-on. Add a soft, washable cover and you’ll have a budget-friendly travel pillow that makes journeys far more comfortable.
Instead of letting old pillows gather dust, give them a practical new life as door draft stoppers. Just trim the pillow to fit the length of your door, secure the edges if needed, and place it along the bottom to keep cold air out. You can add extra stuffing for better insulation or cover it with a fabric that matches your room’s décor.
If your pillows have lost their shape or fluff, don’t throw them away. Restuffing is an easy way to give them a second life. You can use filling from other pillows or even old stuffed animals to restore comfort and shape. Just carefully open the pillowcase, add the stuffing, and sew it back up. This simple trick not only makes tired pillows feel like new but also keeps materials out of the trash and gives old items a practical, eco-friendly purpose.
If your pillow is still clean and in decent shape, there’s a good chance someone else can use it. Donation not only helps you declutter but also puts something soft and comforting into the hands of those who need it most.
Many homeless shelters and domestic violence centers accept pillow donations along with sheets and blankets. For someone who’s been trying to sleep without one, even a simple pillow can bring real comfort. It might feel like a small offering, but it can make a meaningful difference in helping someone rest a little easier.
You can donate pillows to animal shelters, and many rescues accept them as well. A soft pillow can turn a hard kennel floor into a more comfortable spot for a cat or dog waiting to be adopted.
Many daycare centers welcome clean pillows to make reading corners or nap areas cozier for the kids. Community organizations running emergency housing drives may also accept them for temporary bedding. A quick phone call is usually all it takes to find out who could use your old pillows in your area.
Not all thrift stores accept pillows due to hygiene concerns, but some local charities and donation centers may. Organizations like the Goodwill Salvation Army often accept pillow donations, giving your gently used bedding a new life while supporting those in need. Always check first, as policies vary widely.
Sometimes a pillow reaches the point where it’s beyond saving. If it’s torn up, heavily stained, or carries an odor that won’t wash out, donating isn’t really an option. In that case, recycling is the best route.
Some textile recycling programs can take old pillows apart and reuse the materials. The filling might get shredded for things like carpet padding or insulation, and the fabric cover can be used in other ways, too. In many areas, services such as the American Textile Recycling Service have drop-off bins, so you don’t always have to go out of your way to get rid of them responsibly.
If you have feather pillows or pillows stuffed with organic cotton, you can give the filling a second life by adding it to your compost bin. Simply remove the stuffing from the pillowcase and mix it into your compost pile, where it will naturally break down over time. The outer cover may not compost, but you can repurpose it as cleaning rags instead.
Composting natural pillow fillings keeps bulky items out of landfills and turns materials that would otherwise go to waste into something useful for your garden.
People hang on to pillows for years without thinking about it. Maybe it’s just a habit, or maybe you don’t notice how flat it’s gotten. The problem is, once a pillow wears out, it stops supporting you and can make sleep less comfortable.
You’ll know it’s time to move on if:
Old pillows can get pretty gross over time. They hang on to dust and dander, and for some people, that means more sneezing or a stuffy nose at night. Swapping them out once in a while is a simple way to make sleeping easier on your lungs.
Once you’ve figured out what to do with your old ones, investing in new pillows is worth it. A supportive pillow keeps your head, neck, and spine aligned, which means fewer aches and better rest. Fresh pillows are also cleaner, reducing your exposure to dust and allergens.
Think of it this way: you wouldn’t wear the same shoes every day for ten years and expect them to still support you. Pillows are no different. Replacing them every couple of years is an investment in your comfort and your health. And when you know your old pillows have been repurposed, donated, or recycled, it feels even better to bring new ones into your home.
Old pillows don’t need to sit around taking up space. You can cut them down into smaller cushions, pass them along to someone who could use them, or send them to a recycler if they’re past saving. Finding the right option clears the clutter and makes room for the fresh, supportive pillows that actually help you sleep well.
Most thrift stores, including Goodwill, typically don’t accept used pillows due to hygiene concerns. However, some locations may accept them if they’re new or barely used. It’s always best to call ahead and ask about their specific policies.
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every one to two years, though this depends on the material. Memory foam tends to last a bit longer than polyester fill, while down pillows may need fluffing more often but can also last several years with good care.
Washing your pillow is a good step before repurposing. Most polyester and down pillows can be machine-washed, while memory foam pillows and latex pillows should only be spot-cleaned. Make sure they are fully dry before use to prevent mold or mildew.
Old pillows can collect dust mites and other allergens as they age. If yours is making you sneeze, giving you a stuffy nose, or leaving your eyes itchy, it might be part of the problem. You can still find ways to reuse it, just try not to keep it anywhere where people are sleeping if allergies are an issue.
A few textile recycling programs and specialty companies accept pillows, but they’re less common than clothing recyclers. Some larger home goods stores may have recycling programs, so it’s worth checking with them or looking up local textile recycling drop-offs.
Yes, memory foam can be cut into smaller pieces and reused in pet beds, cushions, or even as padding for DIY projects. Just make sure it’s clean and free from mold before repurposing.
The most eco-friendly option is to repurpose or donate them so they continue being useful. If that’s not possible, recycling through a textile program or composting natural fillings is the next best option. Throwing them away should be the last resort.
Not every pillow can be recycled, and it usually comes down to what’s inside. Natural fillings like feathers or cotton can sometimes be composted, but foam and other synthetic materials need a special drop-off program. The cover itself can still be useful. You can cut it up for cleaning cloths or use it in a small sewing project. Since curbside bins almost never take pillows, your realistic options are donating them if they’re still decent or finding a place that handles textile recycling.
Related blog posts:
1. How to Take Care of Pillows
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
