Let me guess, you’re standing there, yoga mat in hand, feeling a mix of pride and guilt. Pride because you’ve stretched, flowed, and maybe even cried through dozens of yoga sessions on that mat. Guilt because now, after years of loyal service, your mat is flaking like a croissant—and you can’t bear to toss it in the trash.
You’re not alone. Many of us yogis have faced this same conundrum. The good news? Recycling old yoga mats is not only possible, but also a chance to do something refreshingly creative, surprisingly fun, and definitely eco-friendly.
In this post, I’m diving deep into how to recycle or repurpose old yoga mats creatively, with real-life ideas, smart disposal tips, and ways to keep your mat’s spirit alive in new forms. Let’s give that worn-out warrior some new purpose!
Why Recycling Old Yoga Mats Matters
Yoga is all about harmony, right? But it’s hard to stay in alignment when your mat—often made of PVC or synthetic rubber—is destined for landfill. Most traditional mats are not biodegradable, and few recycling facilities accept them.
This is where repurposing yoga mats steps in. It’s not just about reducing waste—it’s about extending the journey. Whether it’s cushioning your dog’s crate or becoming a quirky DIY coaster, your yoga mat still has a story to tell.
What Are Yoga Mats Made Of?
Before we dive into solutions, let’s get technical for a sec. Most mats fall into these categories:
- PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) – Durable but non-biodegradable. Tough to recycle.
- TPE (Thermoplastic elastomer) – More eco-conscious and partially recyclable.
- Natural rubber, jute, cork – Biodegradable and often compostable or up cyclable.
Knowing your mat’s material helps you choose the best reuse or recycling path.
Creative Uses for Old Yoga Mats: The Ultimate List
1. Donate to a Good Cause
Many shelters, schools, and rescue centres gladly accept gently used mats. Yoga Activist, Continuum Collective, and local community centres use mats for teaching, bedding, or activity spaces.
Tip: Clean it thoroughly with a natural mat cleaner before donating.
2. Turn It into Pet Padding
Cut the mat to fit inside a crate or under your dog’s food bowls. Bonus: it’s waterproof and easy to clean!
My dog Toby actually prefers his yoga mat over his plush bed. True story.
3. Line Cupboards or Tool Drawers
Old mats are great for adding grip and protecting surfaces from scratches.
Perfect for: Workshops, kitchen shelves, or even under your air fryer.
4. Gardening Kneeling Pad
Fold it, cut it, or stack it. Your knees will thank you next time your elbow-deep in the tomato patch.
5. DIY Coasters or Mouse Pads
It’s shockingly simple: cut a square or circle, glue on some fabric, and boom—you’ve got a handmade coaster that screams “I recycle.”
6. Use It Under Workout Equipment
Add cushioning under stationary bikes or weights to protect your floors and dampen sound.
7. Make Play Mats for Kids
Great for playdough, painting, or catching crumbs during snack time.
Pro tip: Use cookie cutters to shape them into letters, numbers, or fun animals.
8. Craft Yoga Mat Flip-Flops
Yes, people really do this! Lightweight, waterproof, and customizable.
Check out DIY tutorials on YouTube for step-by-step guides.
Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat Disposal: What You Need to Know
If your mat is beyond repurposing, don’t fret. You still have options.
Manduka’s LiveOn Program
Manduka partners with SuperCircle to accept “preloved” mats for recycling. They’ll ensure the materials are broken down and reused responsibly.
TerraCycle Yoga Mat Box
If you run a yoga studio or community space, consider investing in a TerraCycle box for mat collection. They handle the sorting and processing for you.
Manufacturer Take-Backs
Some eco-conscious brands like Liforme and JadeYoga offer take-back or repurpose incentives—sometimes with discounts on a new mat.
My Liforme mat lasted over 5 years and when I finally replaced it, I got a discount for pledging to reuse the old one. Win-win!
How Yoga Mats Have Evolved (And Why It Matters)
Older mats were built to last—but not necessarily with the planet in mind. Fortunately, many modern yoga mats use biodegradable materials or closed-loop manufacturing.
For example:
- JadeYoga plants a tree for every mat sold.
- Manduka PRO mats last for life—reducing replacement needs.
- Gaiam now offers TPE and cork options for more sustainable practice.
As consumers, we’ve gained power to choose products that align with our values—both on and off the mat.
Repurposing Yoga Mats: Benefits & Drawbacks
Let’s get honest. Not every idea is a slam dunk.
| Use Case | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Padding | Comfy, waterproof, long-lasting | Can be chewed up by aggressive pets |
| Garden Kneeling Pad | Saves your knees, easy to rinse | May absorb smells over time |
| Coasters/Mouse Pads | Stylish, cheap, creative | Not heat resistant; not for hot drinks |
| Drawer Liners | Grippy and protective | May not fit perfectly without trimming |
| DIY Flip-Flops | Lightweight, unique | Not long-lasting, not suitable for heavy use |
FAQs About Recycling Old Yoga Mats
1. Can you recycle yoga mats through curbside programs?
No, most curbside recycling doesn’t accept yoga mats—especially PVC-based ones. Look for specialized programs like Manduka’s or TerraCycle.
2. Is it safe to use old yoga mats for pets or kids?
Absolutely, as long as the mat is clean and free of tears or chemical smells. Natural rubber mats are ideal.
3. Can I compost a yoga mat?
Only if it’s made from fully biodegradable materials like natural rubber, cork, or jute. PVC and TPE mats cannot be composted.
4. How long should a yoga mat last?
With average use, a high-quality mat lasts 2–5 years. Eco-friendly mats may show wear earlier but are easier to dispose of responsibly.
5. What’s the most sustainable yoga mat on the market?
That depends on your priorities. For durability, Manduka PRO wins. For eco-friendliness, Liforme or JadeYoga are excellent, especially when considering end-of-life recycling.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Mat’s Legacy Live On
Your yoga mat has supported you through sun salutations, savasanas, and maybe even a few emotional breakthroughs. Instead of sending it off to rot in a landfill, why not let it support you one more time—in a new form?
Recycling old yoga mats is more than a chore—it’s a chance to align your practice with the values of sustainability, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re crafting coasters, donating to shelters, or kneeling in your garden on your once-sacred mat, you’re making a small but powerful impact.
Ready to Let Go of Your Old Mat (Mindfully)?
If you’re about to upgrade your mat, make it count:
- Shop eco-conscious brands like Liforme, Manduka, or JadeYoga
- Pledge to repurpose your old mat before buying a new one
- Share this guide with your yoga community—because every mat deserves a second life
Got a creative reuse idea we didn’t cover? Drop it in the comments or tag us on Instagram @TopRatedYogaMats—we’d love to feature it!
Namaste (and happy recycling)!
