Don’t Toss It! 5 Smart Ways to Recycle Your Old Yoga Mat

If you’re anything like me, your yoga mat has been your loyal companion through countless sun salutations, meditations, and sweaty Vinyasa flows. But even the best mats wear out over time. The challenge? Most yoga mats — often made from PVC or TPE — can’t go in your kerbside recycling bin.

So what’s a conscious yogi to do when it’s time to retire their trusty practice partner?
In celebration of National Recycling Week, let’s explore five practical, planet-friendly ways to give your old yoga mat a second life.

1. Stop — The Kerbside Bin is a No-Go Zone

Most yoga mats are made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), or foam blends — materials that standard recycling facilities can’t process. Tossing them in your yellow-lid bin can actually contaminate recycling streams and lead to landfill waste.

First rule: Don’t place your yoga mat in the kerbside recycling bin.

This is something I always remind my physiotherapy and Yogalates clients — knowing what not to recycle is just as important as knowing what can be.

2. Seek Out Specialised Take-Back Programs

Some brands are stepping up to help reduce waste.

Retailer and Brand Schemes
Check whether the brand you purchased your mat from offers a recycling or trade-in program. Many eco-conscious companies now collect old mats and send them to specialist recyclers, sometimes even offering discounts on your next purchase.

TerraCycle Programs
TerraCycle provides solutions for “unrecyclable” items through their Zero Waste Boxes. While some options are paid, they ensure fitness gear and yoga mats are broken down responsibly and turned into new products.

3. Look for Local Recycling Events

During National Recycling Week, check your local council’s website for special drop-off days.
Some councils and community groups host one-off collection events for sports gear, plastics, and other hard-to-recycle materials.

A simple online search can save your mat from landfill.

4. Donate — Give It a Loving Second Life

If your mat is still in decent shape, consider donating it.

Animal Shelters and Rescues
Animal shelters often use yoga mats as soft, non-slip bedding for puppies, kittens, or senior pets.

Community Groups and Schools
Old mats make great art surfaces, protective table covers, or floor mats for craft projects.

A simple donation can make someone — or some pet — very happy.

5. Upcycle — Get Creative with What You’ve Got

If your mat’s beyond saving, it’s time to get creative. Grab some scissors and repurpose it around your home or garden.

Garden Kneeling Pad
Cut out squares for a comfortable, waterproof pad for gardening. Your knees will thank you.

Floor Protectors
Slice small sections to place under furniture, weights, or exercise bikes to prevent floor damage.

Even the smallest repurpose extends your mat’s life and keeps it out of landfill.

A Final Thought

I always remind my clients — sustainability doesn’t end with the purchase. By finding new uses or proper recycling pathways, you’re actively supporting the circular economy and reducing environmental waste.

So next time you roll up your old mat, give it one last bow of gratitude — and a new purpose.