What to Do With Old Bed Sheets? Are They Recyclable?

Bed sheets are the one thing we all use, and most of us don’t want to throw them away. But what can you do with old bed sheets? Are they recyclable? Should you donate them? Can you sell old sheets? You might be surprised to find out the answers to some of these questions!

If you’re shopping for new sheets and want to know how to dispose of your old ones, keep reading. We’ll show you everything from donating them to recycling them so that they never end up in a landfill!

recycle bin with old sheets on the side of itAre Bed Sheets Recyclable?

Unlike paper, metals, and glass, fabrics cannot be recycled. This means that recycling isn’t an option for your old sheets. Instead, you have two options: Repurpose or Donate! Both options are great, and we’ll explain them in more detail below.

Repurpose Old Sheets

There are plenty of things that you can do with your old sheets, even if they’re a bit stained or worn out. Here are some ideas:

  • Make throw pillows for your couch- Just cut the sheet into squares and sew up the sides to make our very own boudoir pillow.
  • Make a slipcover for your couch- If you have an old sheet that’s in good condition, cut it up and sew the pieces together to make a new slipcover! This is great if you want your furniture to match or if one of your cushions has seen better days.
  • Make curtains- Just cut the sheet into long strips and sew them together.
  • Make a bedspread for your bedroom- If you have an old twin or full-size sheet that’s in decent shape, cut it up and use the pieces to make a new quilt! This is great if you own bamboo sheets and want your bedding set to match.

Are Bed Sheets Donatable?

You can always donate your old sheets to organizations like the Salvation Army, which will give them away for free to people in need. You can even schedule a free pickup in some locations.

If you live near a Goodwill store, it might be better to donate them there since they can resell your old sheets and donate the proceeds.

If neither option is available in your area, you can still drop them off at local donation bins. Most cities have donation bins that will accept any old clothes, bedding, or even towels! You’re very likely to find a container outside of your local gas stations and convenience stores.

Sell Your Old Sheets

Craigslist and eBay are great places to sell your used stuff. If you want a quick sale, then Craigslist is the better option since they don’t charge fees.

If you’re looking for a more long-term solution, then eBay is definitely your best bet. It’s easy to set up an account and start selling right away, even if you have never sold anything online before.

Don’t Throw Them Out!

We know that finding a new use for old items can be challenging, especially if you’re trying not to waste them. But keep in mind that recycling your used bed sheets is probably the worst option of all since they aren’t recyclable and take up space in landfills. If none of these other options are available, then it’s okay to throw them away.

Final Thoughts

Sadly, bed sheets aren’t recyclable. But you still have other options to consider before deciding to throw them away. You should consider repurposing them or donating them.

We went over a couple of ideas to reuse your old sheets and local places to donate them. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be doing a good deed for the environment!