Pillows Past Their Prime? How To Dispose of Them Sustainably

With over 50 million pillows discarded in US landfills every year, it's clear that we need more sustainable disposal solutions. Traditional pillows stuffed with polyester and other synthetics may take hundreds of years to fully decompose, polluting our planet. Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly ways to get rid of old, worn out pillows without further harming the environment.

By taking responsible steps to keep pillows out of overflowing landfills, we can all make a positive difference.

First Check Locally for Recycling Options

Before assuming those tattered old pillows only have one final destination, check to see if any textile recycling programs exist in your area. Some municipal recycling centers and private companies now accept pillows and other bedding specifically for textile recycling.

Contact your local recycling facility directly to ask if pillows can be dropped off. Some centers work with organizations like the American Textile Recycling Service to divert textile waste from landfills. Nearly 300 million pounds of post-consumer textile waste is recycled annually in the US, so the chance of finding a participating facility nearby is increasing.

Often textile recycling locations will have specific guidelines, like requiring pillows to be clean and dry. Familiarize yourself with any preparation needed to ensure pillows are accepted.

Seek Out Textile Drop-Off Points

If your area lacks textile recycling for municipal waste, look for retail drop-off locations that send used textiles to recycling partners. Stores like H&M, Levi's, and The North Face now have garment collecting programs where all textiles like pillows, sheets, towels, and clothes can be recycled.

Check brand websites for details on locations accepting textiles near you. By diverting reusable materials to recycling, companies help reduce pollution and waste from manufacturing virgin textiles.

Donate Gently Used Pillows

For pillows still in fair condition without significant staining, rips, or damage, consider donating them to charity organizations. Various groups can give used pillows and bedding a new life beyond the landfill.

Animal Shelters and Pet Rescues

Animal shelters, pet rescues, and veterinary clinics often accept donations of gently used pillows and towels to provide bedding. Call your local shelters to see if they have a need. Just be sure to launder the pillows thoroughly so they're fresh for the animals.

Homeless and Domestic Violence Shelters

Transitional housing facilities and shelters for displaced groups like refugees, victims of domestic violence, and the homeless usually need donations of pillows, sheets, blankets, and towels. Providing clean, comfortable bedding gives these organizations one less thing to worry about.

Check requirements on laundering and sanitizing pillows ahead of time. Some may pick up large loads of pillows and linens to clean on their own.

Disaster Relief Organizations

Pillows and other bedding in decent shape can assist disaster relief organizations like Good360 that deliver aid globally. After emergencies that displace people from their homes, supplies like pillows and blankets provide comfort.

Research trusted groups that accept household item donations for disaster victims to plan ahead.

Repurpose Old Pillows with DIY Projects

With a little creativity, you can transform old pillows into new useful items instead of discarding them. Check out these fun ways to repurpose and upcycle tired pillows.

Handy Household Aids

• Floor cushions or meditation pillows
• Draft stoppers for sealing gaps under doors
• Bed risers to lift mattresses higher
• Protective padding for furniture or wall corners

Pet Projects

• Pet beds, mats, or cat perches
• Catnip kicker toys stuffed with pillow filling
• Outdoor shelter pillows and mats for strays

Packing and Shipping Helpers

• Padding to cushion fragile items for shipping
• Makeshift knee or joint pillows during travel
• Pillows to elevate and position houseplants

Hand sewing or a sewing machine opens even more possibilities, like tote bags, placemats, doll clothes, and more.

Dispose of Unsalvageable Pillows Responsibly

For pillows too tattered, torn, or unsanitary to be donated or reused, disposal is the last resort. But even then, steps can be taken to be environmentally responsible.

Check with Local Waste Management

Some municipal landfills do accept pillow disposal, often charging a fee per bag or pound. Call yours to see if pillows can be thrown away there, and how best to contain them.

Increasingly, some waste management groups offer textile recycling or composting options you may not be aware of too.

Proper Containment Matters

If no recycling is possible, seal pillows in plastic bags first to contain dust, particles, and allergens before placing in the trash. Mark bags as household waste, not recycling.

Washing and disinfecting pillows when possible reduces chances of contaminating waste streams while disposing.

The most eco-friendly solution is avoiding excess pillow waste from the start. Consider purchasing responsibly made pillows when you need new ones.

Look for materials like natural latex, organic cotton, wool, and other sustainably sourced or biodegradable fibers. Support brands that offset carbon emissions and plastic packaging.

We can keep pillows from piling up in the landfills with some care. Follow these handy tips to dispose of pillows in an environmentally responsible manner.