How to Recycle Bed Linens & Towels
Sheets, pillowcases, towels, and similar household textiles. Strong reuse demand from shelters; recycling rates for sheets and pillowcases were about 15.8% in EPA's 2018 data.
Quick answer
Donate clean, dry sheets and towels to shelters and thrift stores; animal shelters often want worn towels and blankets. Stained but dry linens can go to textile bins. EPA tracked sheets and pillowcases at about a 15.8% recycling rate in 2018. Never put textiles in curbside recycling.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Typical value
- Low per-pound recycling value; usable sets have modest thrift value, and shelters prioritize need over price
- Donate / take-back
- Available
- 1Wash and fully dry; remove odors before donation
- 2Keep sheet sets together when donating for human reuse
- 3Sort wearable/usable from rag-grade but dry pieces
- 4Trash wet, mildewed, or moldy linens
- 5Do not rely on IKEA US textile take-back; IKEA Buyback excludes textiles and bed textiles in the US
- Animal shelters
- Homeless shelters
- Goodwill / Salvation Army
- Textile recycling bins
Animal shelters and many homeless shelters want clean, dry towels and blankets even when worn. Electric blankets and foam pillows are not textile-bin items. IKEA US Buyback & Resell explicitly excludes home textiles and bed textiles; the old IKEA recycle URL is dead.
EPA reported about a 15.8% recycling rate for sheets and pillowcases in 2018, within the broader 14.7% textile rate. Reuse through shelters avoids new purchases. Do not cite unverified 'gallons saved per sheet' figures.
- Cut into cleaning rags
- Pet bedding
- Painting drop cloths
- Garden plant covers
Accepted
- Cotton bed sheets and pillowcases
- Bath towels and washcloths
- Cotton blankets (clean, dry)
- Linen sheets and tablecloths
- Beach towels
- Cloth napkins and placemats
Not Accepted
- Wet, mildewed, or moldy linens
- Electric blankets or heated pads
- Memory foam pillows or mattress toppers
- Comforters with heavy non-textile fills when a program rejects them
Estimated value: Low per-pound recycling value; usable sets have modest thrift value, and shelters prioritize need over price
Donation
- Local animal shelters
- Homeless shelters
- Women's shelters
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
Can I donate stained towels?
Many animal shelters say yes if towels are clean and dry. For human thrift floors, stick to items you would still use. Moldy towels must be trashed.
Does IKEA take old sheets in the US?
No. IKEA US Buyback excludes textiles and bed textiles. Use shelters, thrift, H&M collecting, or local textile bins instead.
Should I wash linens before donation?
Yes. Clean, dry items are usable immediately and match what shelters and thrifts ask for.
Are poly-cotton sheets recyclable?
Blends are commonly accepted by textile collectors and thrift stores. 100% cotton is preferred for some rag markets but is not required for most consumer drop-offs.
- How to recycle Cotton Clothing & T-Shirts
- How to recycle Denim & Jeans
- How to recycle Athletic Shoes & Sneakers
- How to recycle Wool Clothing & Blankets
- How to recycle Synthetic Fabrics & Activewear
- How to recycle Formal Wear & Suits
- How to recycle Children's Clothing
- How to recycle Leather Goods & Accessories
- How to recycle Curtains & Drapes
Recycling centers that accept Bed Linens & Towels
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept bed linens & towels. Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.