5 Charities You Can Donate Your Old Pillows

Thinking of replacing your pillows? While there’s no set expiry date, most pillows need renewing every 1–3 years. If yours are still reasonably clean and fluff-filled, donating them could benefit others. Below’s a guide to where 

Can You Donate an Old Pillow?

Yes—as long as it’s clean, intact, and hypoallergenic (no feather or down filling unless stated). Many organisations won’t accept stained, flattened, or damaged pillows for hygiene reasons.

To donate responsibly:

• Wash or spot-clean your pillows thoroughly.
• Check in advance with recipients—some solely accept synthetic-filled items.
• Follow drop‑off or posting instructions provided by each charity.

5 UK Charities That May Accept Old Pillows

• The Salvation Army Trading – Through Salvation Army Trading, several local charity shops and distribution centres accept bedding including pillows—for resale or redistribution. Just check with your local branch before delivering. They use the proceeds from sales to fund vital work such as providing meals, shelter, and rehabilitation programmes.
• Animal Charities (e.g. Dogs Trust, RSPCA) – Many animal rescue centres welcome clean, synthetic-filled pillows to serve as bedding for pets. Ensure you confirm the filling type accepted—most centres won’t take feather/down items. Pillows can help keep kennels and crates cosy, especially for older animals or those recovering from surgery. Donations can often be dropped off directly at shelters, and some may offer local collection drives.
• Reuse Network Services – Reuse Network programmes and charity textile collections may accept pillows, cushions, and bedding for reuse or resale. These services gather items and redistribute them to partner charities or sell them to raise funds. The network supports community-based organisations that help low-income households furnish their homes affordably.
• Local Homeless Shelters via Homeless Link – Local shelters and hostels listed on Homeless Link may accept clean pillows during colder months. It’s best to call ahead to check their current needs and policies. Many shelters operate on tight budgets, so practical donations like pillows can directly improve comfort for residents. Some may also accept bulk bedding donations for use across multiple housing sites.
• Reusable Textile Schemes (e.g. Dunelm Take‑Back via Salvation Army) – Retail schemes like Dunelm’s textile take‑back scheme, accept household textiles including pillows—even if not purchased there. Clean synthetic pillows are welcomed, they will be sorted and either reused or recycled.

What If Your Pillow Isn’t Suitable for Donation?

If your pillow isn’t fit for reuse, here are sustainable alternatives:

• Local council recycling centres: Pillows often can’t be recycled but can be taken to Household Recycling Centres as bulky unfriendly waste (might go to energy recovery). Still helps avoid air‑freighting to landfill.
• Dunelm textile recycling: Many stores accept textiles like pillows even when flawed.
• Upcycle creatively: Use synthetic stuffing to top up other cushions, make draught excluders, pet beds, cleaning pads—or donate stuffing to crafters.

Remember, always check with local charities before bringing items. If donation isn’t an option, recycling schemes like Dunelm’s or creative repurposing are sustainable alternatives that help reduce landfill waste.

And if you’re updating your bedding, explore our mattress and bed frame collection to complete your bedroom makeover.