12 Creative, Eco-Friendly Ideas For Your Old Pillows

Got a graveyard of old pillows piling up in the closet? You’re not alone. Pillows lose their fluff over time, and tossing them in the trash feels wasteful. The good news? There are plenty of ways to repurpose, donate, or recycle them instead of sending them to a landfill. Here’s how to give old pillows a second life while doing something good for your home, pets, or even the planet.

1. Turn Old Pillows into Floor Cushions

If your pillows can’t hack it on the bed anymore, transform them into DIY floor cushions for movie nights or meditation. Stack a few together inside a large pillowcase, or use a stuff-it-yourself ottoman cover like the HOMBYS Unstuffed Ottoman Pouf Cover. This way, your pillows become comfy and useful again—no sewing required!

2. Make a Cozy Pet Bed

Dogs and cats love snuggling into soft cushions, and your old pillow makes the perfect pet bed. Just place it inside a washable cover or use a stuff-it-yourself pet bed cover like this one. Bonus: Your scent is already on the pillow, making it extra comforting for your furry friend.

3. Use as a Garden Kneeling Pad

Tired of sore knees while gardening? Wrap an old pillow in a waterproof cover or an old pillowcase and use it as a kneeling pad. You’ll save money on store-bought kneelers while keeping your pillow out of the landfill.

4. Use for Packing & Moving Material

Moving? Skip the bubble wrap and use old pillows to cushion fragile items in boxes. They work great for protecting dishes, picture frames, or electronics. After the move, you can repurpose them again or recycle them. Need storage space? Try vacuum storage bags like the SpaceAid Jumbo Vacuum Storage Bags to compress pillows and free up closet space.

5. Create a Draft Stopper

Cold air sneaking under your doors? Turn an old pillow into a DIY draft stopper. Simply cut the pillow open, remove the stuffing, and transfer it into a fabric tube (like the leg of an old pair of jeans). Seal the ends, and place it at your door to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient.

6. Salvage Stuffing for DIY Projects

Polyester fill, down, or memory foam from old pillows can be reused for other cushions, stuffed toys, or even DIY throw pillows. If you’re crafty, repurpose the stuffing for sewing projects or decorative pillows. This reduces waste and saves money on buying new stuffing.

7. Turn Pillowcases into Cleaning Rags

If your pillow itself is too far gone, repurpose the pillowcase into cleaning rags. Cotton and microfiber pillowcases are perfect for dusting, washing windows, or wiping up spills. Simply cut them into smaller squares and store them with your cleaning supplies.

8. Compost the Feathers (If Applicable)

If your old pillow contains down or feathers, they’re 100% compostable! Open the pillow and add the feathers to your compost bin, mixing them with leaves or veggie scraps. Over time, they’ll break down and enrich your soil. (Note: Synthetic pillows won’t compost, so choose another method for those.)

9. Donate to Animal Shelters

Many animal shelters accept used pillows for pet bedding. Call your local shelter to see if they need donations. Even lumpy pillows can provide a comfy spot for a rescue dog or cat.

10. Recycle Through Textile Programs

While you can’t toss pillows in your regular recycling bin, some textile recycling programs accept them. Check with Earth911.com or look for donation drop-offs that handle textiles. Some companies also repurpose foam pillows into carpet padding or insulation.

11. Refresh & Double-Up

Before tossing a pillow, try reviving it! Wash and dry it with tennis balls to fluff it up. If it’s still too flat, double it up inside a single pillowcase for extra support. Sometimes, all a pillow needs is a little TLC.

12. Give Them Away

Post your pillows for free on Freecycle, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace—someone may need them for DIY projects, pet beds, or even extra bedding. Just be transparent about their condition.

Final Thoughts!

Before you say goodbye to that old pillow, remember all these clever and constructive alternatives. From DIY home décor to helping out pets and the planet, your flattened fluff can serve a purpose beyond the bed. The key is a mix of creativity and responsible choices: repurpose what you can, donate if it’s useful, recycle if possible, and only toss as a last resort. Not only will you reduce waste, but you might also save money or make someone (two or four-legged) a little happier.