Environmental Impacts of Disposing of Paper Towels

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency claims that 34 percent of solid waste is made up of paper. Half of that paper is then recycled or composted; the rest ends up in landfills, where it decomposes very slowly.

One Time Only

• Paper towels are used only once and then discarded. They're then thrown in the trash and, ultimately, a landfill.

Effects of Bleaching

• Many brands of paper towels are bleached. Dioxin is a byproduct of the bleaching process, and it can cause birth defects and cancer.

Towels From Recycled Paper

• As an option to bleached paper towels, some brands are made from recycled materials. They cut down on the waste and take less energy to produce. Paper towels cannot be recycled after use.

Towels in Restrooms

• The use of folded paper towels in public restrooms contributes to the problem. People tend to use more than they need, adding to paper waste.

Air Dryer Option

• If given a choice between a paper towel and an air dryer, use the dryer. A hand dryer uses less energy than manufacturing paper towels, and there's no waste.

Reduce Paper Use

• Instead of using paper towels at home, use a rag, a dishcloth or a sponge to clean up. Wash or rinse these materials after using to keep germs from multiplying.