Your pillow has seen better days. You wake up with a twinge in your neck. You may be tossing around in bed because your pillow isn’t adjusted correctly. It might be time to get rid of your old pillow and replace it with something else.

Over time, pillows can develop lumps, change colour, or become so compressed that we can fold them into half. Simply put, you need to replace your pillows. It is important to swap out pillows to not only prevent the accumulation of allergens and bacteria but to also promote a healthy sleep.

When it comes time to throw away your pillow, a common question is “How?”

Take a look.

How often should you replace pillows?

But before you do, make sure to dispose of your old pillow properly. Before you do, properly dispose of the old pillow. The frequency with which you should replace pillows depends on several factors.

In general, pillow lifespan is between one and two years. The material and brand of the pillow can have a significant impact on its lifespan, so it is important to know what you are expecting before buying.

• Polyester: 6 months – 2 years
• Down Alternative/Synthetic: 18 months to 2 years
• Feather: 18 months to three years
• Memory foam: from 3 to 4 years
• Latex : 3 to 4 Years
• Down : 3 to 4 Years

Can you throw pillows in the bin?

Duvets and pillows, clothes, and textiles can be recycled, but not always. These items should be disposed of in the rubbish bin. Animal shelters are also unable to accept old pillows due to health and safety concerns.

Only organic feather and down pillows are eligible for recycling bins. can be used to place any organic pillows in the green bin. Compostable pillows include feather, down and latex.

It means that your old pillows will be sent to landfills, where every 10 minutes, 6000 kg of clothes are thrown away. The Monash Sustainable Development Institute has also released other alarming statistics:

• Overwhelmed Charities: 1% collected garments recycled
• Escalated waste: 8% of carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater are from the textile industry
• Overproduction: 33 % of 100 billion garments are disposed in landfills within the first year

Can You Donate Pillows?

The answer is usually no. You cannot donate pillows.

Pillows can absorb allergens from the air and our bodies. Dust mites, moulds, dead skin cells and other contaminants accumulate over time. Hygiene Risk is therefore a serious issue when it comes time to donate used pillows.

Some charities will accept pillow donations, as long as the pillows are clean, free of stains, and in good shape. If you would give it to a close friend, then you can donate. Otherwise, there are other options.

Repurpose old pillows

Recycling pillows is best done by repurposing them into something new. Here are some ideas you can consider:

• Outdoor cushions: A pillow’s use is not over just because it no longer serves you when you sleep. Use it to protect your knees if you are a gardener. You can use them as comfortable cushions for camping or around a campfire.
• Packing Materials: Throw your old pillows into a box to add an extra layer of protection for fragile items when shipping or moving.
• Hobbies & Crafts: Are you creative? Reuse the stuffing inside a pillow for your next project. You can also use the outer fabric layer if it is spotless.
• Pet Beds: Although most animal shelters no longer accept pillows as donations, you can still use them for your furry friends. Give your pillow a thorough wash and cover it with a layer of durable fabric or an old piece of clothing. Then, lay the pillow down to create a tranquil pet sanctuary.
• Textile Recyclers: This isn’t a “repurposing”, but it’s worth a place on the list as long as you’re not adding to landfills’ devastating impact. For those who want to get rid of their old pillows, Textile Recyclers in Melbourne and Sydney is a viable option. The recycling service is available for a cost of $20.

Be creative! When it comes time to throw away old pillows, always consider repurposing. It is important to make conscious decisions about how we dispose of our waste.

The Bottom Line on Disposing of Old Pillows In Australia

When trying to remove a pillow, it can be confusing. You also want to make sure you are doing the right thing. You’re making a good move by seeking answers.

You can find out the signs of a worn-out pillow by studying the options available to you. Choose a mattress that you enjoy and you will get the sleep of your dreams.

While we need to replace our pillows for our physical and mental well-being, we also must not contribute to the environmental crisis. When attempting to dispose of something, it can be more difficult than expected. The extra effort you put in now will pay dividends later.

You’ll thank the planet (and yourself)!