Pillows don’t last forever. Once they start to show signs of wear and tear, you need to replace them with a new one.

But what to do with old pillows in Australia? How do you dispose of old pillows properly? Can you just throw the pillow in the bin?

Keep on reading to find out. 

How Often Should You Replace Pillows?

There are some tell-tale signs that your pillow is no longer serving its purpose. Some of them include: 

  • The pillow has lost its shape.You wake up with a headache or neck pain.The fabric is worn out.There are lumps in the pillow.

If you don’t feel that your pillow is still providing support or comfort, fold it in half and see if it springs back into shape. If it doesn’t, it’s time for a new brand-new one.

Most pillows have a lifespan of 18 months to two years, but this can vary depending on the type of pillow and the material. For example, feather or down pillows may need to be replaced more often than synthetic ones.

If you want to learn more about how long pillows last, read this helpful article.

How to Dispose of Pillows in Australia?

So, you have chosen a new pillow and are wondering what to do with the old one?

The first question that probably pops to mind is ‘Can I put old pillows in the bin?’

You can, but shouldn’t. 

Although old mattresses can be recycled, the same rules do not apply to bedding. Pillows are made of polyester (a type of plastic) and other synthetic materials, so they cannot be separated for recycling. The only exception might be feathers and down pillows (which are compostable), although even these types of pillows can sometimes contain some kind of synthetic material, so it’s best to put them in the red bin instead of the recycling bin.

That said, if you are set on recycling your pillows, try some of the bedding manufacturers. There are a couple that may be willing to accept your old pillow and then recycle it by shredding the material and creating new yarn. However, bedding companies often charge a fee for the service and are not willing to accept pillows from another manufacturer. 

So, if recycling pillows is not an option for you, what should you do with an old pillow? The answer is: find another purpose for it. 

How Can You Repurpose Old Pillows?

Repurposing old pillows is a great way to avoid your old bedding ending up in a landfill and polluting the environment. 

Here are a couple of ideas on how to recycle a pillow without actually throwing it in the recycle bin. 

1. Turn them into throw pillows

Give your old pillows a second life by refreshing the outer cover and re-upholstering them. You can then use them as decorative pillows to match the sofa bed in your living or guest room.

2. Pet Beds

You may already have a comfy dog bed, but what is the harm in having two? A pillow can make a great sleeping surface for your pooch or cat—just make sure to wash it and cover it with some other material. 

3. DIY projects

The stuffing from old pillows can be used to fill pet beds, stuffed toys, or even doll beds—this way you can repurpose the old pillow and enjoy a fun DIY project. 

4. Floor cushions

You can turn old pillows into floor cushions, or use them as outdoor seating or for camping trips. Another option is to put them under your knees when gardening. 

This is a great option, especially for pillows that have lost some of their plush feel—they can still be turned into a comfy seat even if they are not as soft as they once were.  

5. Packing Material

Old pillows can come in handy when you need extra padding to protect fragile items during a move.

6. Draught stoppers

Put your old pillow under the door to stop the cold air from coming in and disturbing your evening. 

Can You Donate Pillows?

Unlike mattresses, most donation centres in the country cannot accept old pillows for hygienic reasons—even more than mattresses, pillows absorb allergens and bacteria as well as dead skin cells, dust mites and mould. 

Still, it does not hurt to call around charities to see if they are interested in taking your old pillow—these organisations provide bedding for the homeless or disaster relief efforts and might be willing to accept your donation if the pillow is clean and still in good condition. 

Another option is to donate your old pillow to animal shelters, veterinary clinics, or horse stables. These facilities are often in need of bedding material for animals, but like charities, they tend to avoid pillow donations for hygienic reasons. 

You should not buy a second-hand pillow, but what about a second-hand mattress? Read all about the pros and cons of buying a used mattress here.

Bottom Line: How Important Is It to Dispose of Pillows Properly?

The material in pillows is not biodegradable, which means they release harmful gases into the air when they go to a landfill, harming the environment. By taking the time to repurpose or donate old pillows, you’re helping protect the environment and making sure valuable resources don’t go to waste.

1. How do you throw away pillows in Australia?

To dispose of pillows properly, you need to put them in the general waste bin. Old pillows cannot be separated for recycling and if you put them in the recycling bin you might contaminate some of the items fit for recycling. 

2. How to dispose of pillows and duvets in Australia?

Duvets, pillows and sheets are not typically recyclable, but you can contact the manufacturer and ask if they run a recycling program for old bedding. They might charge you a small postage fee, but you will probably get a discount on your next order in return. 

3. What to do with old pillows in Australia if they are clean and stain-free?

The best way to get rid of an old pillow that is still in good condition and has no stains is to donate it to charity. Most won’t accept the donation, but some will, so ask around your local charities. You can start by searching for ‘Where can I donate old pillows near me?’ or contacting them directly.