From Savasana to Sustainability: How To Recycle Your Yoga Mat

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Yoga mats are an essential tool for any yogi, providing cushioning, stability, and comfort throughout a practice. But what happens when your trusty mat starts to show signs of wear and tear? Instead of throwing it away, why not give it new life through recycling? Not only will this help the environment by reducing waste, but it can also save you money in the long run. In this article, we’ll explore how to recycle your yoga mat and give it a second chance at usefulness. Whether you’re a dedicated yogi or simply looking for ways to be more environmentally conscious, read on to discover the ins and outs of recycling your yoga mat.


Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people incorporating it into their daily lives. However, with the rise in yoga’s popularity comes a downside – the environmental impact of yoga equipment. One of the most commonly used items in yoga practice is a yoga mat, and unfortunately, these mats are often made from materials that are harmful to the environment. This is why recycling your old yoga mat is crucial for promoting sustainability within the yoga community. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about recycling your old yoga mat efficiently and responsibly.

What is a Yoga Mat?

A yoga mat is an essential piece of equipment for any yogi. It provides a comfortable and safe surface for your practice and helps prevent injuries by providing cushioning and traction. Most yoga mats are made from either PVC (polyvinyl chloride), rubber, or foam materials.

While these materials are excellent for creating a non-slip surface, they are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills. Additionally, many PVC mats contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the environment when disposed of improperly.

Why Recycle Your Yoga Mat?

Recycling your old yoga mat has numerous benefits for both you and the environment. By recycling, you can:

1. Reduce waste: Old or damaged yoga mats often end up in landfills where they take up valuable space and contribute to pollution.

2. Preserve natural resources: Recycling reduces the need for new materials, reducing the strain on our planet’s natural resources.

3. Conserve energy: Recycling requires less energy than producing new materials from scratch, which helps reduce carbon emissions.

4. Support sustainable practices: By recycling your mat, you’re playing an active role in promoting sustainable practices within the yoga community.

How To Recycle Your Yoga Mat

Now that you understand the importance of recycling your yoga mat, let’s discuss how to do it properly.

1. Check with your local recycling program: Before you start the recycling process, check with your local recycling program to see if they accept yoga mats. Some communities have specific programs for recycling yoga mats, while others may include them in their regular curbside recycling collection.

2. Look for eco-friendly options: If your local recycling program doesn’t accept yoga mats, try finding a recycling center or facility that specializes in eco-friendly materials. They will have the necessary equipment and processes to recycle your mat properly.

3. Reuse or donate: If your mat is still in good condition, consider giving it a new life by donating it to someone else. Many yoga studios, community centers, and shelters accept donations of gently used mats.

4. Repurpose: If you’re feeling creative, you can also repurpose your old yoga mat for other uses around the house. For example, you can cut it into smaller pieces and use them as non-slip liners in drawers or cupboards.

What Happens After You Recycle Your Yoga Mat?

After you drop off your old yoga mat to be recycled, what happens next? The process varies depending on the type of material your mat is made from.

For PVC mats – The most common type of yoga mat – they are typically shredded into small pieces that can be used for manufacturing other products. These include items such as car insulation and flip-flops.

For rubber mats – These mats are usually ground up into rubber crumb and used as a base for new rubber products such as playground surfaces and asphalt fillers.

For foam mats – Foam mats are usually broken down into small pieces and then melted together to create new foam products like carpet padding or plastic containers.

Tips for Choosing an Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat

To ensure you are responsible for your impact on the environment, consider these tips when choosing a new yoga mat:

1. Look for natural materials: Opt for mats made from natural materials such as natural rubber, jute, or organic cotton.

2. Avoid PVC: Stay away from PVC mats as they are not biodegradable and contain harmful chemicals.

3. Research brands: Do some research and look for companies that prioritize environmental sustainability in their production processes and materials used.

4. Check certifications: Look for certifications such as OEKO-TEX or GOTS, which indicate that the mat is free from harmful chemicals and made using sustainable practices.

Recycling your old yoga mat is a simple yet effective way to promote sustainability within the yoga community. By following these steps and tips, you can ensure that your mat is disposed of responsibly, reducing waste and preserving our planet’s resources. So next time you get a new yoga mat, remember to recycle your old one and make a positive impact on the environment.

What is a Yoga Mat and Why is it Important?

A yoga mat is a specialized type of mat specifically designed for use during yoga practice. It provides a comfortable and stable surface for yogis to perform various poses, as well as serving as an important tool to enhance the overall experience of practicing yoga. A good yoga mat can make a significant difference in the practitioner’s ability to focus and maintain balance, making it an essential piece of equipment for both beginners and advanced yogis.

The Importance of Recycling Yoga Mats

As more and more people are becoming environmentally conscious, the importance of recycling all types of products has come into the limelight. And this holds true for yoga mats as well. With the popularity of yoga on the rise, there is also an increase in the production and consumption of yoga mats, leading to an excess amount ending up in landfills. Recycling old yoga mats not only helps reduce waste but also has a positive impact on the environment by conserving resources and reducing pollution.

How Can You Recycle Your Old Yoga Mat?

While most of us may be aware of recycling paper, plastic or glass bottles, recycling a used yoga mat might not be something that immediately comes to mind. But there are several ways you can recycle your old mat without adding it to the pile in landfills. Firstly, you can check with your local recycling center if they accept used yoga mats or if they have any specific instructions for disposing them. There are also many organizations that collect old yoga mats to repurpose them into new products such as sandals or pet beds.

Another option is to donate your used mat to a shelter or charity organization where it can be put to good use by those in need. You can also give your old mat a new lease on life by upcycling it into various DIY projects such as placemats, coasters, and even a mat for your furry friend. Whatever the method you choose, the key is to give your old yoga mat a purpose other than ending up in a landfill.

The Benefits of Recycling Your Yoga Mat

Recycling your old yoga mat not only helps reduce waste but also brings about several benefits. Firstly, by recycling, you are contributing to preserving natural resources such as rubber and plastic, which are used to make most yoga mats. It also helps reduce the carbon footprint caused by the production and transportation of these materials. Additionally, recycling old mats can lead to the creation of new products, reducing the need for raw materials and further conserving resources.

Moreover, recycling your old mat can also have a positive impact on your mental well-being as it gives you a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction knowing that you are doing your part in protecting the environment. It can also inspire others around you to do the same, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Other Ways to Practice Eco-Friendly Yoga

In addition to recycling your yoga mat, there are other ways to make your practice more eco-friendly. One simple way is to opt for sustainable or eco-friendly yoga mats when purchasing a new one. These mats are made from natural materials such as organic cotton or jute fibers instead of synthetic materials like PVC or rubber.

You can also practice mindfulness while using your mat by being aware of how much space you are utilizing and trying to conserve it as much as possible. This can include using smaller mats or cutting out parts of an old mat that is still usable instead of throwing it away entirely.

Lastly, being mindful of disposing any other props or products used during your yoga practice in an eco-friendly manner can also make a difference in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

In conclusion, recycling your old yoga mat is an easy but effective way to contribute towards a more sustainable future. By taking a few simple steps, you can give your old mat a new purpose, conserve resources and reduce pollution. So, the next time you think about throwing away your worn-out mat, consider the various ways you can recycle and make a positive impact on both the environment and your own well-being. Let’s all do our part in keeping the earth green, one yoga mat at a time. Namaste!

1) Why should I recycle my yoga mat?
Recycling your yoga mat helps reduce waste and prevent it from ending up in landfills. It also conserves resources and reduces the need for new materials to be produced.

2) Can all types of yoga mats be recycled?
Not all types of yoga mats can be recycled. However, many popular brands now offer eco-friendly options made from natural materials that can be easily recycled.

3) How do I prepare my yoga mat for recycling?
Before recycling your yoga mat, make sure to clean it thoroughly with soap and water. Remove any stickers or labels and let it air dry completely before taking it to a recycling facility.

4) Where can I recycle my old yoga mat?
You can check with your local recycling center or waste management facility to see if they accept yoga mats. Some retailers also offer take-back programs for their own brand of yoga mats.

5) What else can I do with an old yoga mat besides recycling?
If your mat is still in good condition, consider donating it to a local charity or community center. You can also repurpose it for other DIY projects, such as making non-slip floor protectors or using it for cushioning under furniture.

6) Is there anything I should avoid when recycling a yoga mat?
Avoid throwing your old yoga mat in the regular trash or including it in single-stream recycling bins. Also, make sure not to mix different materials (e.g. rubber and PVC) when recycling multiple mats together.

In conclusion, recycling your yoga mat is a simple and impactful way to reduce waste and protect the environment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can prolong the lifespan of your yoga mat and prevent it from ending up in a landfill. Additionally, by choosing to recycle or upcycle your mat instead of purchasing a new one, you are helping to reduce the demand for new products and promoting sustainability.

Through the process of recycling a yoga mat, various materials can be repurposed and used in other industries or products. This not only decreases the amount of waste in landfills but also conserves resources that would have been used to create new materials. Furthermore, recycling your yoga mat can also have a positive impact on your overall well-being by reducing stress and promoting relaxation through mindful actions towards the environment.

By incorporating eco-friendly practices into our everyday lives, we can make a significant difference in preserving our planet for future generations. The benefits of recycling go beyond just waste reduction – it also has positive effects on our health, economy, and community. So let us all take responsibility as individuals to properly dispose of our yoga mats when they reach their end of life and explore ways to recycle or upcycle them for a better tomorrow.

In conclusion, we hope this guide has provided you

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.