There are a few things you can do to reuse an old pillow if it’s too worn out to donate, and you don’t want just to throw it away. Make Rags: Remove the stuffing from your pillow and use the pillow cover as rags for cleaning or protecting valuables inside packages. Compost: The feathers inside a pillow work well as compost material. Use As A Knee Pad: Instead of spending extra money on a knee pad, use an old pillow outside doing yard work.