20+ Ideas for What to Do With Old Pillows

We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, so saying goodbye to your faithful fluffy sleeping companions may be difficult. But when the time comes, it comes. Whether you wake up with a crick in your neck or your pillow has changed colors, you’ll realize that an old pillow needs to be replaced.

So, what do you do with your old pillows when you get a new one or set of pillows? If possible, avoid throwing pillows directly into the garbage because they end up in landfill, which harms our environment.

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Fortunately, there are numerous environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your pillows, including repurposing pillows, donating, and recycling pillows. We’ll go over your options in this brief guide.

Why You Should Not Just Throw Pillows Away?

Pillows cannot go in your regular curbside recycling bin, and throwing them in the trash sends them directly to landfills where they can sit for decades or even centuries. Memory foam pillows, made from polyurethane foam, are not biodegradable and will take up landfill space for hundreds of years.

According to Verified Source Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Works to control/prevent natural and manmade disasters. View source the Environmental Protection Agency, textile waste accounted for 17 million tons of municipal waste in 2018, making up 5.8% of total waste. The good news is that you have many better options than the trash can.

Uses for Old Bed Pillows and Pillow Stuffing

1) Floor Cushion Seats

Repurpose old pillows with new fabric to make floor seats for your family and guests to sit on the floor around your coffee table, as an alternative to foam seat cushions. You can even find some colorful fabric and make new pillow covers.

2) Give Stuffed Toys a New Lease on life

If your child’s favorite stuffed animal (or even a favorite stuffed animal you sleep with) looks saggy or has lost its fluff through tears, some old pillow stuffing can give it new life. Cut a hole in the pillow, remove some stitches to create a hole in the stuffed animal, stuff it, and sew it back together.

Read more about the benefits of sleeping with a stuffed animal.

3) Create Rags

Remove the pillow stuffing from your old pillows. Then, cut the remaining fabric into square pieces and use them as cleaning rags!

4) Fill Another Pillow

Do you have a pillow that might benefit from additional stuffing? You may utilize the old pillow stuffing from old pillows that have seen better days. Remove the filling from the old pillows and replace it with the new ones.

5) Multiply Into Throw Pillows

Use two pillows to extend the life of a cushion that has become thin and lumpy. Place your two lightest pillows in a pillowcase or pillow sham together. You’ll have a suitable firm cushion that should last at least a few months!

6) Fluff up a Bean Bag

Do you have a bean bag that’s gone a bit flat? Your old pillows can revive its comfort!

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 coziness for relaxation and lounging. However, no matter how comfy they are, we do not recommend bean bags for sleeping.

7) Recycle Your Feathers

Remove the feathers from an old feather pillow and put them in your compost pile. They decompose well in compost!

8) Door Sealant

Make a fast and easy draft-blocking device out of an old pillow. Put it in front of your draftiest door, and you’ll notice a significant improvement!

9) Prevent Chimney Drafts

Never fear if you have a drafty chimney rather than a door! Old pillows are also helpful in this situation. Place a few old pillows in a trash bag to keep them safe from the weather, and load them up your chimney. It will assist in keeping those chilly drafts out of the house.

10) Safeguard a Package

When shipping a fragile product, use the filling from an old bed pillow as packing material. If you like, pack the entire cushion into the box!

11) Moving Assistant

Use old bed pillows to preserve your belongings while you’re moving. Place them between bikes to protect them from scratches. If you must lean other goods against a piece of furniture in the truck or van, use a cushion to prevent scuffing or rubbing while in transportation.

12) Knee Pad

Use an old bed pillow as a knee pad when gardening or performing yard chores. Your knees will appreciate you, and you won’t need to purchase a knee pad or seat cushion.

13) Insulate Everything

In a pinch, used pillows provide excellent insulation! You may use the filling (or the entire cushion) to insulate an attic water heater or more with an old pillow.

14) Treat Your Critter

Your hamster might like the stuffing from old bed pillows in its cage. Use it to coat the bottom of its cell, then change it as it becomes filthy.

15) Travel Pillow

If your family frequently takes road trips, utilize your old bed pillows to make the next journey even more comfortable! Stitch a U-shaped pattern to help relieve neck pain while sleeping and traveling.

16) Construct a Pet Bed

Your pet deserves a comfortable place to sit! But if you have old pillows, you can spend a small amount on luxury pet beds! You can just put the entire pillow on the ground as carpet padding or place it inside a current pet bed.

17) Revive Outdoor Furniture

Give your patio or deck furniture a comfort upgrade by repurposing old pillows as outdoor cushions. Apply a weather-resistant spray to the pillow or slip it inside an outdoor-safe fabric cover to protect against moisture and sun damage. This transforms basic outdoor furniture into a cozy lounging spot without the expense of buying new patio cushions.

18) Support Sagging Sofa Cushions

If your couch cushions have lost their support and feel flat when you sit down, slip an old pillow underneath them. This instantly adds structure and comfort back to tired furniture. You can also place pillows behind the backrest cushions for additional lumbar support while lounging.

19) Create Holiday Decorations

Pillow stuffing makes excellent fake snow for holiday village displays or winter decorations. Simply fluff up the white filling and arrange it to create snowy drifts, clouds, or winter scenes. Crafters can also use the stuffing for various seasonal projects throughout the year.

20) Give Away for Free Online

If donation centers won’t accept your pillows but they’re still in decent condition, try posting them for free on Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing Groups, Freecycle, or Craigslist.

You’d be surprised how many people will take items off your hands when they’re free—someone might need them for a college dorm, temporary housing, or a craft project. Just be honest about the pillow’s age and condition in your listing.

Make a Donation

If replacing a pillow, your previous one may still be in fine condition. However, donation isn’t as simple as it might seem. Many traditional donation centers like Goodwill and Salvation Army typically don’t accept used pillows due to hygiene concerns, including the risk of bed bugs, lice, and allergens.

Much like donating a mattress, you may need to do a little research to find a place that takes your old pillow. However, there are places that will use or recycle an old pillow, much as there are for aging mattresses.

Your best options for donation include:

Homeless Shelters and Domestic Violence Centers: Many accept clean pillows to provide comfort to individuals and families experiencing housing instability. Always call ahead to confirm they’re accepting pillow donations and ask about their cleanliness requirements.

Animal Shelters: These facilities often welcome clean pillows as bedding for cats and dogs waiting for adoption. However, some shelters won’t accept down or feather pillows due to potential allergic reactions in animals or health risks for workers. Contact your local shelter first to verify what materials they can accept.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers: These centers may use pillows as nesting material for birds or soft bedding for injured animals recovering from trauma.

Veterinary Clinics: Clinics sometimes accept pillow donations for post-surgery recovery areas.

Remember to thoroughly wash your pillows before donating, and understand that some organizations simply cannot accept used pillows regardless of condition. Always call ahead to save yourself a wasted trip.

Recycling Old Pillows Through Textile Programs

If your pillows are too worn for donation or repurposing, textile recycling offers a much better alternative than sending them to a landfill. While you can’t put pillows in your regular curbside recycling bin, specialized textile recycling programs can break down the materials and repurpose them into new products.

Pillow stuffing often becomes carpet padding, furniture stuffing, auto upholstery, insulation, or industrial wiping rags. Fabric covers can be processed into new textile products or cut into cleaning cloths.

American Textile Recycling Service (ATRS)

ATRS operates thousands of drop-off bins across the United States that accept pillows and other household textiles in any condition—even ripped, stained, or damaged items.

The organization sorts donations and either passes them along to appropriate charities or repurposes the materials for industrial use. To find a drop-off bin near you, call their 24-hour hotline at (866) 900-9308 or visit their website.

TerraCycle Mail-In Programs

TerraCycle offers mail-in recycling programs for various household items, including pillows. They send you a box to pack your pillow in, then you mail it back for proper recycling.

This service can be expensive and may not be available in all regions, so check their website for current programs and pricing in your area.

Earth911 Recycling Search

If you’re having trouble locating textile recycling in your area, use the Earth911 Recycling Search tool online. Enter your zip code and the item you want to recycle, and the tool will show you nearby facilities that accept textiles. This database includes drop-off locations, hours of operation, and accepted materials.

School and Community Textile Programs

Some schools and community centers operate textile recycling bins as fundraisers. They collect old pillows, clothing, and other textiles, then receive payment per pound from recycling companies.

These items get shredded and turned into recycled fabric or other products. Check with local schools and community organizations to see if they have collection programs.

What to Do Before Recycling

Before bringing pillows to a textile recycling facility, separate the outer casing from the inner stuffing if you can. This makes processing easier, though many facilities will accept pillows as-is.

Check with the specific facility about which materials they accept, as some may have restrictions on certain types of filling or fabric.

When Should You Replace Your Pillows?

How often should you replace your pillows? The answer depends on the type of pillow. However, we generally suggest replacing your pillows every 1-2 years.

Throughout their lifetime, your pillows host millions of duster particles and dust mites. As a result, changing them once every couple of years will keep your bed clean. Furthermore, your pillows will sag with time and no longer give enough neck and head support. As a result, you must dispose of them and replace them with new firm pillows.

Cleaning and caring for your pillows may extend their life. However, you must replace them if they no longer give the same degree of comfort.

Not sure if your pillow is ready for replacement? Try the fold test: fold your pillow in half and release it. A pillow in good condition should spring back to its original shape within a few seconds.

If it stays folded or takes a long time to unfold, the internal structure has broken down and can no longer provide proper support. For memory foam pillows, press down on the pillow and see if it quickly returns to shape. If it remains compressed or responds slowly, it’s time for a new pillow.

Keep in mind that old pillows aren’t just uncomfortable—they can impact your health. Over their lifetime, pillows accumulate millions of dust mites, dead skin cells, dust particles, sweat, body oils, and allergens. These contaminants can trigger allergy symptoms, respiratory problems, skin irritation, and poor sleep quality.

Long-term exposure to mold or mildew in old pillows can cause itchy eyes, breathing difficulties, and chronic congestion. Replacing your pillows every 1-2 years helps maintain a cleaner, healthier sleep environment.”

How to Make Your Pillows Last Longer?

While all pillows eventually need replacement, proper care and maintenance can significantly extend their useful life. Here’s how to get the most out of your investment:

Wash Regularly

Clean your pillows every 4-6 months to remove sweat, body oils, dead skin cells, and dust that accumulate over time. These substances degrade pillow materials and create breeding grounds for allergens and bacteria. Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions carefully, as different materials require different cleaning methods.

For down and feather pillows, add a few tennis balls to the dryer. The tennis balls bounce around and prevent the filling from clumping, helping your pillow maintain its fluff and shape. Always ensure pillows are completely dry before putting them back in service, as moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Use Pillow Protectors

Invest in pillow protectors—zippered covers that go between your pillow and pillowcase. These barriers prevent moisture, oils, and allergens from penetrating the pillow itself. Pillow protectors are much easier to wash than pillows and can add months or even years to your pillow’s lifespan. Wash pillow protectors monthly along with your sheets.

Air Them Out

Some people find that hanging pillows outside on a clothesline or clothes rack several times a year helps refresh them naturally. If possible, remove pillow protector covers for maximum air exposure. Sunlight and fresh air can help reduce moisture, odors, and bacteria buildup. This old-school method is particularly effective for feather and down pillows.

Wash Pillowcases Weekly

Clean pillowcases prevent the transfer of oils and dirt from your hair and skin directly onto your pillow. This simple habit reduces how quickly your pillow accumulates contaminants and extends the time between pillow replacements.

Choose Quality Materials

When purchasing new pillows, invest in higher-quality materials known for durability. Latex and memory foam pillows generally last longer than polyester fill or down alternatives. Natural materials like wool and organic cotton also provide good longevity when properly cared for.

Pay attention to construction quality, including the cover fabric, stitching, and overall design. A well-made pillow with a good warranty often proves more economical over time than repeatedly replacing cheaper options.

Match Pillow to Sleep Position

Using the right pillow for your sleep position reduces strain on the pillow and helps it maintain its shape longer. Side sleepers need thicker pillows to fill the space between the head and mattress, back sleepers do better with medium loft, and stomach sleepers require thinner options.

When a pillow properly supports your sleeping position, you’ll also experience fewer neck and shoulder problems.

Why You Need a New Pillow?

Now that you know what to do with old pillows, it’s time to locate the perfect replacement! You will gain several advantages by swapping your old pillows with new ones, including the following:

Better Neck and Back Support

A fresh pillow is crucial for lulling your body into a restful night’s sleep. It is advised that you locate a pillow that allows you to maintain your neck horizontally along with a mattress for improved back and neck support.

The best pillows for neck pain will depend on what your sleeping position is, as some positions stress the head and neck more than others.

Better Cleanliness

Pillows are a breeding ground for dust and bacteria that accumulates over time, so knowing how to wash pillows correctly is essential. However, because pillows can be difficult to clean without causing damage, it’s preferable to change them every couple of years.

Better Sleep

Are you continuously fluffing your pillow to get the last few lumps to fall exactly where you want them? A fresh pillow will provide a much better night’s sleep.

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