Paper Towels

Trash Container Organics (Food and Yard) Container

Food-soiled paper towels go in the green cart (organics) for composting.

Any other paper towels, especially those used with chemicals for cleaning, go in the black cart (trash). 

NOreuse

Do Not Recycle

Unused paper towels cannot be recycled because the fibers are too short to be made into new paper. Used paper towels also cannot be recycled because they are usually soiled with food or grease, which contaminate the recycling process.

compost

Compost Towels and Tubes

Brown paper towels and their cardboard tubes can be put in a home compost. Do not compost white paper towels at home compost because they are bleached. Also, do not compost any paper towels that have come into contact with chemicals.

cardboard-tube

Recycle Cardboard Tubes

Recycle the tubes inside paper towel rolls with other cardboard. Find out more about cardboard tubes.

Ways to Reduce

Choose Unbleached Paper Products

Most paper products that are white or decorative have been chemically bleached and dyed. Opt for undyed, unbleached paper products to reduce the chemical exposure for you and the environment.

Switch to Unpaper Towels

Cut down on waste by making the switch to unpaper towels, or reusable towels made from cotton or linen. You can even wrap them around a paper towel dispenser for easy access.