Recycling Mistake #4: Napkins, Paper Towels and Tissues

The What

Single-use paper products, such as napkins, towels and tissues, are not accepted in campus recycling bins.

The Why

There are two main reasons why napkins, towels and tissues are not accepted in campus mixed recycling bins. First, the products are primarily made of wood pulp that is composed of small fibers. In order for wood pulp products to be recycled, they must have fibers long enough to be turned into new products. The short fibers in napkins, towels and tissues are not easy to recycle. Additionally, every time paper products are recycled the fibers get shorter.

The second reason has to do with the recycling process for paper, which requires the material to be free of contaminants. These paper products are commonly used to collect contaminants such as food, grease and bodily fluids.

What Can You Do?

• When possible, use reusable products, such as handkerchiefs and cloth towels, in place of single-use paper materials.