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Replacing Your Pillows?
A good night's sleep is made much more rewarding by pillows. It can provide folks with the comfort they require to sleep better for an extended time. They experience wear and tear over time, though, and eventually reach the point where you must replace them since they have served their role.
Only pillows made of down or feathers qualify for recycling in bins since they are natural materials. Any organic cushion may be disposed of in your green bin. Pillows made of latex, down, and feathers may all be composted. Various harmful germs and allergens may be found in old pillows, which can cause issues, including sinus infections and also asthma.
They are also no longer particularly comfy. Are you searching for detailed advice on how to get rid of worn-out pillows in Australia? This post will describe the several alternatives you have whenever it's time to retire your old pillows or other bedding, such as your mattress topper. For more details, continue reading.
Can Old Pillows Be Recycled?
Tragically, the answer is no. Pillows are constructed of various materials, including filling and synthetic textiles that you cannot recycle separately. Since some of these items are also regarded as toxic, it is recommended to avoid recycling them regularly. You could inquire at your neighbourhood textile recycling facility to see if they can accept pillows. What else can you do if you can't recycle them? Let's look at some pillow discarding ideas.
Pillow Disposal In Australia: How It Is Done
Turn them into pet beds
Even though some animal shelters may no longer accept old pillow contributions, you may still use them for your pet bed. For a tranquil pet refuge, be sure to wash your foam pillow well, wrap it with a sturdy layer of fabric or an old piece of clothes, and put it down.
Compost the feathers
Getting rid of your old feather pillow? You should keep the filler from a feather or down pillow since you may compost it. Use the feathers by emptying them into a composting bin. You may then use the pillow's complete contents by saving the pillow's outer shell, which you can use to make rags or a tote bag.
Donate to animal shelters
Get in touch with your nearest animal shelter; they constantly need discarded pillows and bedding. This is a fantastic method for recycling your old pillows. Animal shelters sometimes lack the funds to purchase mattresses and pillows, which forces the animals to sleep on the floor. It's excellent, in our view, to donate old pillows to needy animals.
Donate them to charity
Start by giving your old pillow a good wash if you intend to donate it. After cleaning it, you'll need to investigate to find a nearby area to donate it. Find out first whether the local homeless shelters would take used pillows; some won't due to hygienic concerns. You may also try contacting nearby thrift and charity shops to see whether they take pillows. Try running an ad on a website like Facebook Marketplace if you can't locate a location to give them.
Textile recycling
This isn't quite a "repurposing" option, although as long as we're not worsening landfills' adverse effects, it deserves a place on the list. For people in Melbourne or Sydney who want to get rid of their old pillows, textile recycling is an alternative. However, using the recycling service has a beginning price of about $20.
Make a knee pad
If you spend more time gardening, you probably know how taxing it can be on your knees. Make an old pillow into your knee cushion and keep it with gardening supplies rather than pushing through your pains. Put it within a moisture-resistant pillow cover, then put that inside a washable pillowcase to extend its life.
Up-cycle them
Pillows are perfect for upcycling and creative reuse! Consider your old pillow as the foundation for brand-new home furnishings. Of course, these aren't the only alternatives accessible to someone who may be unsure of what to do with your old pillows.
This is only a starting point for any inventive concepts you may have, such as filling costumes with old pillows or repurposing old pillows as packaging material. What was once your favourite pillow may become your next favourite you-name-it with a bit of imagination, perseverance, and respect for the environment (along with a few YouTube tutorials).
Renew them as throw pillows by reupholstering
A pillow is nevertheless comfortable even if it can no longer adequately support your head or shoulders while you sleep. Purchase a couple of yards of vibrant fabric to create some brand-new throw pillows for the living area. You may even take the filling out of many worn-out pillows to make a fluffy blanket or a cushion with a different form.
Down pillow feathers can be used as fertiliser
Earlier, we indicated that feathers could be composted. You may create a nitrogen-rich fertiliser for the garden by combining the stuffing with collected leaves, old coffee grounds, and vegetable scraps in a compost bin. This will take around six months to a year (as you rest your weary knees on your pillow garden mat).
The Value Of Properly Disposing Of Old Pillows
Everyday pillows that we use are contaminated with allergens and microorganisms. A new set of pillows may be a terrific way to keep your body healthy and improve your sleep. Additionally, if you don't dispose of old pillows correctly, these bacteria may result in allergies and other issues. To maintain a restful night's sleep and a healthy environment, it is always essential to replace your pillow every one to two years.
Old pillows are not compostable, and they contribute significantly to landfill garbage when disposed of. This has the potential to cause significant pollution and damage to the environment. Additionally, when used pillows age in landfills, hazardous gases are released into the atmosphere due to their accelerated decomposition.
Different Pillow Types
Down pillow
The soft fibres that are closest to the skin surface of a duck, goose, or swan are used to make down pillows. When buying a down pillow, consider the down-to-feather ratio because these pillows may occasionally be combined with feathers. Due to the softness of the cushion or pillow, down is one of the most fantastic pillow materials for stomach sleepers.
Finding a down pillow from an ethical supplier is also crucial. Given that down is an animal product, it's critical to ensure that down pillows are approved by the government, which establishes guidelines for the humane treatment of geese and ducks.
Feather pillow
The conventional stuffing typically used in feather pillows is excellent for offering support without deflating. Feather stuffing is a great choice if you're searching for a cosy, supportive solution. But it's crucial to remember that several feather pillows also include a tiny bit of down, so those who are sensitive to down should be careful to check the feather pillow's filling before making a purchase.
Feather pillows are fluffy and soft, comparable to actual down, but because of their higher loft, they are among the top pillows for back and side sleepers.
Cotton pillow
Recently the popularity of cotton pillows has been declining in favour of more contemporary synthetic fibres like memory foam. With that being said, cotton is a traditional pillow material that offers certain benefits, especially for those sensitive to synthetic materials.
Moreover, washing your cotton pillow frequently is simple since cotton pillows are easy to clean. Although virtually any sleeper can use cotton pillows, it's vital to remember that cotton won't conform to the contour of your head, unlike memory foam or feather pillows.
Latex pillow
Because they offer great head and neck support while feeling soft and cuddly, latex pillows are becoming increasingly widespread. Both solid and shredded latex pillows are available for purchase. However, keep an eye out for a latex-blend pillow that is frequently combined with potentially harmful polyurethane foam. Since this pillow has a loft greater than typical, it is not advised for stomach sleepers.
Memory foam pillow
Memory foam pillows are so common because they conform to your body, making them suitable for various sleeping positions. This enables the memory foam pillow to conform to the most comfortable position for your head and neck. However, some side sleepers find memory foam pillows overly stiff.
Bamboo pillow
Since bamboo pillows contain antibacterial and moisture-absorbing properties, they have been a growing trend in the sleep market. You get the added benefits of a shredded memory foam cushion with the cooling capabilities of bamboo since most bamboo pillows are comprised of a shredded foam inner with some bamboo viscose shell. Bamboo pillows may be too rigid for stomach and side sleepers since they are constructed of thick, shredded memory foam.
Polyester pillow
Poly-fill pillows, also known as polyester fibrefill pillows, are a standard option for people on a tight budget. However, because poly-fill pillows are constructed of less expensive material, they tend to absorb heat and develop lumps pretty rapidly. All sleeping positions may be accommodated by poly-fill since they can be created in various hardness levels.
Microbead pillow
In terms of comfort, microbead pillows resemble buckwheat pillows; however, they are constructed of a synthetic substance known as homogeneous polymer particles. Microbead pillows provide many of the same benefits as natural buckwheat pillows, such as breathability and adapting to your head shape.
Still, they may also lose their shape more quickly. Certain stomach sleepers may prefer microbead pillows, but back sleepers prefer them more because of their high level of firmness.
Buckwheat pillow
While buckwheat pillows have long been utilised in Asia, they have recently gained popularity in North America. Buckwheat shells are solid but still breathable and are used to fill these pillows. The buckwheat shells, however, can be loud if you move about as you sleep, so keep that in mind. Buckwheat pillows may be excessively firm for those who sleep on their sides.
Gel pillow
Gel pillows are sold for their capacity to keep individuals cool while sleeping. Many gel pillows are comprised of gel blended with another substance, such as foam or latex. This provides the cooling effects of gel while also providing the tenderness of another material. The gel substance is solid and keeps its shape well, yet like memory foam, it can be moulded to match the contours of the sleeper. Gel pillows may be too firm for side sleepers to achieve a comfortable resting posture.
When Should You Change Your Pillows?
Pillows should be removed and replaced every one to two years, according to experts. This helps to ensure that you are utilising supportive, clean, and allergen-free pillows. To preserve the longevity of your pillows, you also need to take care of them. When it's time to change your pillows, you'll be able to tell.
For instance, if you wake up with a painful neck or cannot find a comfortable sleeping position, it might signify that your pillow is no longer giving the support you require. Pillows, like mattresses, should be replaced once they begin to droop or develop lumps. If you notice excessive yellowing or if your allergies are acting up during the night, it may be time to look into getting new pillows and disposing of the old ones.
Need Assistance Getting Rid Of Old Pillows?
As mentioned in this article, you should not dispose of pillows like other waste. Instead of tossing away your old pillow and letting it wind up in a landfill, you can either upcycle it or donate it. If these are not viable solutions for you, please contact a reputable trash management business or local skip bin hire for advice or assistance in properly disposing of it.
Supreme Skips
Supreme Skips have the largest range of skip bins available for hire in the Adelaide, SA region.
