If you’ve recently treated yourself to some new bedding, you might be wondering what to do with your old sheets. Whether they’re still in good condition or they’ve seen better days, there are plenty of ways to give your bedsheets a second life.

Here, we’re sharing some practical tips to help you part ways with your old bedding responsibly, from where to donate bedding, to ways you can repurpose or reuse old sheets, and how to recycle bedding that’s a little worse for wear. Ready to find your old sheets a new home? Let’s hop to it…

Donate Bedding 

Donating your old sheets is one of the best ways to extend the life of your bedding. Lots of organisations and charities happily accept bedding, including pillowcases, duvet covers and sheets to support those in need. We’ve listed a few options below, but it’s always worth checking with local groups to see if your bedding can be reused closer to home.

Charities and Housing Shelters

If your bedding is still in good condition, consider donating it to a charity shop or second-hand store to resell. This gives your bedding a new lease of life, while also helping raise funds for important causes. Organisations that accept bedding donations include The Salvation Army, Oxfam and the British Red Cross, though it’s wise to check with them beforehand to confirm what donations they’re able to receive.

Homeless shelters and groups like Crisis or Shelter are also excellent options, especially during colder months when extra bedding and blankets are in high demand. To find nearby shelters accepting donations, use tools like Homeless Link or simply search for ‘homeless shelters near me.’ Your old bedding could make a big difference in someone’s life.

Animal Shelters

Animal shelters are often in need of bedding donations to help keep their furry residents warm. Charities like the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and the National Animal Welfare Trust frequently accept bedding donations, though what can be accepted differs from shelter to shelter. If unsure, reaching out to your local vets could be helpful – they might offer guidance or even welcome bedding donations themselves.

Online Giveaways 

Another option is to give your old bedding away for free through online platforms. Websites like Gumtree, Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace are perfect for this. If your bedding is still in good condition, there's likely someone nearby who would be thrilled to take it off your hands. You could even post in a local WhatsApp group or neighbourhood forum – someone close to home might be in need.

Reuse Bedding 

If you can’t donate your old bedding, why not get creative and repurpose it instead? Worn-out sheets and duvet covers are incredibly versatile and can be easily transformed into cleaning cloths, picnic blankets, table cloths, or simply furniture covers for your next DIY project.

If you’re feeling crafty, the fabric can be perfect for sewing projects or upcycling – think curtains, cushion covers, fabric gift wrap, ironing board covers and handmade crackers. Pet owners could even turn old bedding into a cosy new bed for their furry friends. With a little imagination, your bedding can enjoy a second life, reducing waste and adding value in unexpected ways. 

Recycle Bedding 

If your bedding is looking a little worse for wear, recycling is still a good option. Textiles that aren’t fit for reuse can be shredded and respun into yarn, or used as stuffing for furniture or insulation. Start by checking whether your local recycling centre accepts old bedding – they may even offer textile collection services.

Some high street stores also run recycling programs, helping to ensure your items are reused or repurposed to prevent waste. To find a recycling centre or drop-off point nearby, try using tools like Recycle Now, London Recycles or Drop Point. You can also do a quick online search with terms like ‘where can I recycle bedding?’ or ‘recycle bedding near me’ and see what pops up.