Solving the Paper Towel and Napkin Recycling Problem

by Pat Fox

You may have seen many recycling sites say that soft paper like paper towels and napkins can’t be recycled. This has been true because these products often have high recycled fiber content and as fibers get shorter and shorter, the uses are more and more limited.

There is also concern about bacteria and such on these disposable products if not carefully handled.

The good news is that you really can find away to keep these products out of the landfills. Instead of making more paper or cardboard, the used paper towels and napkins are made into mulch!

In Canada, a group called “Partners for a Green Hill” has started a program to compost paper towel waste from washrooms in government buildings around their parliament.

Paper towels go into a special bin for recycling and eventually protect the landfills from erosion and help create rich soil.

A really awesome project would be to get your town to do the same thing. You can contact Green Hill for information about doing this kind of recycling. Then you can put together a suggestion and plan to take to your city council. At least it can make them start to think about this problem.

You can also attack the waste right at home. This organic gardening site explains how to make mulch and all the things that can be used, including paper products, in the home.

You will want to save just paper towels and napkins in a separate bag or container, and wearing gloves when you shred the paper is a good safety tip. Any bacteria or other critters will be broken down in the composting process so the end product is safe, and you conserve resources and get free mulch at the same time!