Unfortunately, paper towels are not recyclable. As a result, they should NOT be put into your residential recycling bin or in a recycling drop-off container. If the paper towels do not contain chemicals, they can be composted through a food scrap drop-off program or in your backyard compost bin. If you don’t have access to composting, please place paper towels in the trash.

WHY CAN’T THIS BE RECYCLED?

The fibers in paper towels are too short to be recycled. Each time paper is recycled the fibers get shorter. At some point, those fibers are no longer long enough to be recycled.

QUICK TIPS

• Use cloth towels in your kitchen! Not only is it better for the environment, it may save you money in the long run!
• If you have a backyard composting bin or pile, paper towels and napkins can be a good source of carbon and can be composted along with other organic materials.