Can You Recycle Paper Towels?

Can You Recycle Paper Towels?

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 24 April 2026

No, used paper towels aren't recyclable. Short fibers and contamination (food, grease, chemicals) make them unsuitable. Compost clean ones if possible.

Used paper towels have a high chance of being contaminated with food waste, oils, or other substances that can ruin batches of recycled paper. Additionally, the short fibers in paper towel material don't blend well with longer fiber papers during recycling processes. This makes it difficult for recycling facilities to process them effectively.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, The value of raw materials in global e-waste was estimated at $91 billion in 2022.

Why Paper Towels Isn't Easy to Recycle

Paper towels are made from shorter wood fibers than writing or printing paper. These shorter fibers make it harder to reprocess the material into new paper products. When paper towels get used, they often pick up food residue, grease, and other contaminants that complicate recycling.

recycling plants need clean materials free of debris for efficient processing. Paper towels frequently contain remnants like peanut butter or motor oil, which can ruin entire batches of recyclable paper. The contamination issue is significant; according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 25% of material rejected from recycling centers in the U.S. is due to contamination.

How to Recycle Paper Towels Properly

If you want to dispose of used paper towels responsibly, your best bet is composting them rather than trying to recycle. Clean, unused paper towels can be added to a compost bin at home or taken to local composting facilities like those operated by the city of San Francisco.

For kerbside collection options in the UK, contact your local council's recycling program to see if they offer special collections for compostable items. In some areas, companies like TerraCycle provide specialized waste management solutions for hard-to-recycle materials, including certain paper products.

Alternatives to Throwing Paper Towels Away

Consider swapping out paper towels with more sustainable options like reusable cloths or rags made from old t-shirts and towels. These can be washed repeatedly without producing waste. Another option is to use cloth napkins in the kitchen for spills; these are just as handy but much better for the environment.

Some local charities might accept donations of clean, unused paper products for schools or shelters that need supplies. Organizations like the Salvation Army often appreciate such contributions and will distribute them where they're needed most.

According to the Shift Project, manufacturing a new smartphone produces 50-80kg of co2 equivalent.

FAQ

Q: Can I recycle paper towels in my kerbside bin? A: No, you can't put used paper towels in your kerbside recycling bins due to contamination risks. Instead, look into composting these at home or through a local facility.

Q: Are there any exceptions where paper towels are recyclable? A: Only clean and unused paper towels might be accepted by some industrial composters who specialize in handling various types of waste for organic decomposition purposes.

Q: What about the packaging around paper towel rolls-is that recyclable? A: Yes, cardboard or plastic wrapping from paper towels can typically go into your kerbside recycling bin. Just make sure to separate and clean any plastic before placing it in the bin.

Sources

• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• Shift Project
• World Economic Forum