The UK produces around 206,000 tonnes of textile waste per year. That equates to around 3.1kg of textile waste per person per year. Sadly, of that only 0.3kg are recycled and 0.4kg are reused. The rest is either incinerated (0.8kg) or sent to landfill (1.7kg). Here at Sloth, we think making the smallest changes can add up to make huge impacts - so we've come up with a few ways you can recycle, reuse and repurpose your old bedding to keep it out of landfills.
So, what to do with your old cotton bedsheets now that you've discovered Sloth's super soft bedding?
Donate them
One of the best things you can do to give your bedding a new lease of life is to donate them. There are plenty of organisations and charities that you can donate your old bedding to, we've listed a few ideas below, but be sure to research your local area to see if someone closer to home could use your bedding.
1. Charities and housing shelters
If your bedding is still in good enough condition, consider donating it to a charity. Particularly during the winter months, most housing shelters are extremely happy to receive donations of clean bedding such as pillowcases, duvet covers, and sheets to help someone in need.
- Salvation Army Trading - bed linen
- Homeless.org - find local homeless shelters for donations near you
2. Animal shelters
There aren't many better feelings than knowing you've helped keep one of our furry-friends cosy in the winter months! Animal shelters are constantly in need of bedding, towels, blankets, and sheets and rely on donations to keep their sheltered pets warm. What can be accepted can differ from shelter to shelter so always make sure to check before arriving with your donation.
- RSPCA - towels, blankets, bedsheets, bedding
- Dogs Trust - towels, bedding
- National Animal Welfare Trust - blankets, towels, bedsheets
3. Online
Been gifted some bedding that just isn't for you, or maybe you've redecorated and your bedding simply doesn't suit your room anymore - consider giving it away free online. If it's been barely used then there will be plenty of people out there who would be more than happy to enjoy your unwanted bedding!
- Gumtree - free classified ads with a huge userbase
- Facebook Marketplace - easily create a listing right from your phone
- Freecycle - a non-profit movement designed just for this purpose
Recycle them
If your bedding is really past its best, recycling them is a great option. Textiles, such as bedding, that aren't in good enough condition to be handed to someone else can be recycled and made into new items, such as padding for chairs, cloths for cleaning and industrial blankets.
Your local council may collect textiles to be recycled so its a worth checking with them first. Otherwise, here are some tools to help you find a recycling point in your area.
Many high street stores now run programmes where they will accept all home textiles. Your items will be inspected and sorted to find reusable items. Everything else will be recycled so nothing goes to landfill.
Reuse or repurpose them
There are so many great ideas out there for repurposing your old bedding. So get those scissors and sewing machine out and go for it!
Some ideas we love:
1. Curtains
Old bed sheets and duvet covers make a great material so turn into some stylish curtains. Just like these gorgeous farmhouse style curtains. Add some drapery rings and you're good to go! 
Credit: Must Have Mom
2. Fabric gift wrapping
Skip buying the paper bows and unleash your creative side by making these stunning fabric petals for gift wrapping. We think these are gorgeous and are arguably as much of a gift as what's inside.
3. Blanket fort
Feel like a kid again and have loads of fun building a blanket fort. It makes for a brilliant date day or night. Grab a load of snacks, get super cosy and stick on a film with your favourite!
Credit: I am Christina