What to do with your old yoga mat?

"Celebrate the end, for it precedes a new beginning."

- Ancient Indian Wisdom

Your yoga mat has faithfully supported you during your practice for years — but what do you do with it when it has seen better days? Don't just throw it away, as even an old mat still has value.

In this blog, you'll discover how to give your yoga mat a new life. Whether you want to donate, reuse, or recycle it: sustainably managing your mat is easier and more creative than you think.

Give your yoga mat a second chance: donate it

Is your yoga mat still in good condition? Then you can make someone else happy with it. There are various organizations and places where your old mat can be useful, especially if it is still clean and usable.

Possible donation places for your yoga mat include:

• Shelters for the homeless
• Women's shelters
• Elderly care facilities
• Animal shelters (as a soft surface in crates or baskets)
• Primary schools, after-school care centers, or youth organizations
• Community centers or neighborhood houses
• Thrift stores

Note: Only donate if you would still feel comfortable practicing on it yourself. A worn, sticky, or torn mat is not suitable for donation — but it might be for reuse.

Creative ways to reuse your old yoga mat

Is your mat no longer suitable for yoga but still largely intact? Be surprised by these 22 creative applications. Many of these ideas can be done yourself with a pair of scissors and a bit of skill:

1. Use it as a non-slip mat in the trunk of your car.
2. Protect your car seats from pet hair or wet sports gear.
3. Use it as a placemat during craft sessions with glue and glitter.
4. Line the bottom of a crate or travel basket for your pet.
5. Cut strips and stick them under chair or table legs to prevent scratches.
6. Use it as a seat mat on wet grass.
7. Place it under your pet's food and water bowls to prevent sliding.
8. Place it under your current yoga mat for extra comfort during yin or restorative yoga.
9. Use it as a 'shoe mat' for your tent or at your front door.
10. Use it as an insulation mat under your air mattress when camping.
11. Cut a piece out as a grip opener for hard-to-open jars.
12. Fold it in half (or roll it up) as a knee cushion while gardening.
13. Cut it to size as a drawer or shelf protector in the kitchen or garage.
14. Place it under the bath mat as a non-slip layer.
15. Place it by the bath as a soft mat for after washing your baby or pet.
16. Cut the mat into strips and make draft stoppers for windows or doors.
17. Cut out play shapes for children, such as letters or numbers.
18. Use it as a cutting mat for sewing patterns.
19. Place it on your car dashboard as a sunshade.
20. Use it in the garage as a drip mat for oil or fluids.
21. Protect mirrors or paintings during a move or storage.
22. Place it under the washing machine as an insulation mat against vibrations.

Even if your mat is no longer suitable for yoga, it can still come in handy in dozens of ways around the house!

Recycling: a final sustainable option

Is your mat really worn out and no longer usable? Then you can try to recycle it. Whether this is possible depends on the material.

Yoga mats made of natural rubber or cork are usually easy to recycle. Mats made of PVC or TPE are more difficult. Not all waste processors can recycle these materials well, so check your municipality's rules online.

Not sure what your mat is made of? Often you can find the type on the brand's website, or — if you bought the mat from us — by emailing us a photo. We'll find out for you.

Some brands take care of recycling for you. For example, Manduka works with SuperCircle, an organization that responsibly collects and processes used yoga mats — so they don't end up in the landfill but get a second life in other applications.

Say goodbye with respect

Your yoga mat has supported you during your practice for years, so it deserves your respect, even if it is now a bit worn out. By donating, reusing, or recycling your mat, you give it a new life, extend its lifespan, and contribute to a sustainable yoga lifestyle. This way, you stay kind to yourself, the earth, and your mat. Namasté!

Do you have a good idea for reusing an old yoga mat? Share it below in a comment. We are very curious!