Many of my readers are aware that paper towels are one of my least favorite products. First and foremost, they simply cannot be recycled! This is due to the fact that during their production, paper towels are broken down into a pulp, resulting in fibers that are too small and weak to be reused. Additionally, paper towels are often used for cleaning up spills, which can contain food residues and cleaning agents that are not suitable for recycling. Unfortunately, we currently lack the sustainable technology to overcome this issue. So, if recycling paper towels is not an option, you may wonder, can I compost paper towels instead? Let’s explore this topic!
The Facts About Composting Paper Towels
- What are paper towels?
- Can you compost paper towels?
- Which paper towels cannot be composted?
- How to compost paper towels effectively?
- Compostable and reusable alternatives to paper towels
What are Paper Towels?
Paper towels are typically composed of two to three layers of soft paper pressed together, often sourced from softwood trees like pine, fir, hemlock, or spruce. The wood fibers are mixed with other paper products, ground down into a fine pulp, and then processed through various steps to create the familiar product we use today. Some paper towels are made from recycled fibers, which is a significantly more eco-friendly alternative to virgin fiber. Utilizing recycled materials helps protect old-growth boreal forests, which serve as crucial carbon sinks in our fight against climate change.
Paper towels are favored for their strength, absorbency, and lightweight nature, making them a go-to for cleaning up spills around the home. Interestingly, their invention was somewhat accidental. In 1907, the Scott Paper Company of Pennsylvania, a leading toilet paper manufacturer in the U.S., mistakenly produced a batch of toilet paper that was too thick for its intended use. Rather than discarding it, the company decided to cut the rolls into smaller pieces and market them as a sanitary product to help curb the spread of diseases. The new product, dubbed the Sani-Towel®, quickly gained popularity and became a staple in households.
However, this rise in popularity has led to a staggering increase in paper towel waste. Today, Americans discard approximately 13 billion pounds of paper towels annually, equivalent to the felling of around 270 million trees each year. This is alarming. The production of paper towels also consumes resources like chemicals, fuel, water, and electricity, contributing to a carbon footprint of about 15 grams of CO2 for just two standard rolls. While this may seem minor, it adds up significantly given the volume of paper towels consumed. Furthermore, the production of these towels contributes to the deforestation of vital old-growth forests, and since they cannot be recycled, they ultimately end up in landfills.
Can You Compost Paper Towels?
Many paper products are compostable, which is great news for those striving for a zero-waste kitchen! Items such as paper plates, cardboard, and shredded newspaper can typically be composted. While some of these materials may introduce small amounts of chemical contaminants into your compost bin, the impact is generally minimal. So, if you’re asking, “can I put paper towels in my compost?” continue reading!
Paper towels made from virgin paper, bamboo, or recycled content can indeed be composted, provided they are unbleached (chlorine bleach is not ideal for compost) and used to clean up compostable materials and food products. Paper towels add a nitrogen-rich brown organic material to your compost bin because they decompose quickly—usually within about 45 days! I have personally used paper towels as a substitute for grass, leaves, or other similar brown organic materials in my compost.
Which Paper Towels Cannot Be Composted?
Now, let’s talk about dirty paper towels… Most paper towels are not clean upon disposal and are often soiled with food, cleaning products, or other household spills. So, can dirty paper towels be composted? In general, brown, unbleached paper towels can go into your kitchen compost bin. However, if a paper towel is contaminated with materials that cannot be composted, it should be discarded in the waste bin. This includes items like animal fats, lard, processed foods high in sugar, and chemical products such as liquid medicines or natural cleaning solutions. It’s also vital to consider hygiene—if you’ve used a paper towel to wipe your nose while sick, it’s best to dispose of it in the trash to prevent spreading any germs.
When composting paper towels, it’s essential to remember that not all brands are created equal. This raises the question: can you compost Bounty paper towels? The answer is likely yes, as most paper towels are made from compostable and biodegradable materials. Products from brands like Kirkland, Viva, Amazon, Costco, Brawny, and Simply Truth can typically be composted, but be sure to check for specific details.
Can you compost white paper towels? The challenge with white paper towels lies in the potential presence of bleach. Chlorine bleach is a common ingredient in many white paper towels, and it can be harmful to the beneficial microorganisms in your compost pile, slowing down the decomposition process. Additionally, if not fully broken down during composting, bleach can contaminate the soil. If you wish to compost white paper towels, look for those labeled as “unbleached” or “chlorine-free.” Personally, I would recommend avoiding bleached paper towels altogether.
How to Compost Paper Towels?
There are numerous composting methods available, making the process of composting paper towels simpler than it may seem! Here are some effective steps to follow:
- Start with the right type of paper towel. Opt for those made from 100% recycled paper (unbleached), as they break down more quickly and efficiently in your compost heap.
- Prior to composting, check that your paper towels are free from contaminants such as chemicals, plastics, or food waste. These materials can harm your compost pile and diminish the quality of your end product.
- Tear or shred the paper towels into smaller pieces before adding them to your compost pile. This will accelerate the decomposition process and facilitate easier breakdown by the composting bacteria.
- Add the shredded paper towels to your compost pile alongside other organic materials like fruit and vegetable scraps, yard waste, and coffee grounds.
- Regularly turn your compost pile to ensure that all materials are mixed and aerated properly, which will help speed up the decomposition process and yield high-quality compost.
- Monitor the moisture levels of your compost pile. Since paper towels are rich in carbon, they can dry out your compost. To maintain moisture, water your compost pile regularly.
- Wait for your compost pile to fully decompose before using it in your garden. This process may take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on the size and contents of your compost bin.
It’s worth mentioning that while you can compost unbleached paper towels that have been used with natural (organic) cleaners, this could potentially impact the aerobic bacteria levels in your compost. Keep an eye on it!
Can I put paper towels in city compost? Absolutely! If your city has a municipal composting facility, you can simply drop off your compost at a designated pickup spot or take advantage of local compost pickup programs, if available. Most facilities accept white paper towels, but some may request that they are not contaminated with toxic cleaners. Always verify if you’re uncertain.
Composting your paper towels is a fantastic way to divert waste from landfills, which is a significant win for the environment. Just ensure that you follow the appropriate guidelines for composting effectively.
Compostable and Reusable Alternatives to Paper Towels
If you’re looking for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional paper towels, there are plenty available:
- Repurpose what you have. Old socks, pillowcases, t-shirts, and towels can serve as excellent cleaning rags. I have an entire post dedicated to the best reusable paper towel options.
- Zero Waste MVMT offers Swedish dishcloths made from 70% cellulose wood pulp and 30% cotton, making them both eco-friendly and compostable. These dishcloths are highly absorbent and perfect for tackling household spills and messes. A two-pack is priced at $12, providing an affordable sustainable alternative.
- UnPaper towels from Marleys Monsters are crafted from 100% cotton flannel and rolled onto a recyclable kraft tube. These reusable towels mimic the convenience of paper towels while being washable and long-lasting.
- Juniperseed Mercantile is another brand worth exploring. Their cotton UnPaper dish towels are fully compostable and handmade in the USA, adding an extra layer of sustainability.
A Final Word on Composting Paper Towels
So, can you compost paper towels? Yes, provided they are unbleached and free from any materials that cannot be composted. Reducing our reliance on paper towels is a significant step toward protecting the environment, as it helps to minimize waste, deforestation, and carbon emissions. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper products constituted 25% of landfill waste and 33% of municipal solid waste in 2018. The production of paper is a leading driver of deforestation, resulting in habitat loss and diminished biodiversity.
Furthermore, the paper industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that the paper and pulp industry ranks as the fourth-largest industrial emitter globally, accounting for 6% of total greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing our consumption of paper towels and opting for reusable alternatives, we can collectively mitigate these environmental impacts and lower our carbon footprint.
If you found this information helpful, please consider sharing this article with others—after all, sharing is caring! 😊
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