Can You Compost Paper Towels? A Simple Guide to Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal

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Can You Compost Paper Towels? A Simple Guide to Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal

Wondering if you can compost paper towels? Learn the environmental impact, composting methods, and do's and don'ts for adding paper towels to your compost pile in this easy-to-understand guide.

Javed Iqbal

April 17, 2025

4Min Reads

Can You Compost Paper Towels? A Simple Guide to Eco-Friendly Waste Disposal

Fashion and Style

Can You Compost Paper Towels? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

In today's world, more people are making conscious choices to reduce their carbon footprint. One common question in the eco-conscious community is: can you compost paper towels? The short answer is yes — but it depends on several factors. In this article, we’ll explore when paper towels can be composted, how to do it properly, and why it matters for the environment.

Understanding Paper Towels and Their Composition

Before we answer the question \can you compost paper towels\, it’s important to understand what they are made of. Paper towels are typically made from wood pulp, just like regular paper. They're designed to be absorbent and biodegradable. However, unlike regular paper, they’re often used to clean up spills, messes, or even grease — which complicates things.

The good news? If the paper towels are free from harmful chemicals or non-organic substances, they can generally go right into your compost bin.

Can You Compost Paper Towels in All Cases?

Here’s where things get specific. The answer to can you compost paper towels isn’t a flat yes. There are situations when it’s perfectly fine — and others when you should avoid it.

✅ Paper Towels You CAN Compost:

Used with water only
Used for wiping fruit and vegetable juice
Used to dry clean hands
Clean, unused paper towels
Paper towels used with non-toxic cleaners (like vinegar or baking soda)

❌ Paper Towels You SHOULD NOT Compost:

Soaked in oil or grease
Used to clean up chemical cleaners (like bleach or ammonia)
Used in the bathroom (with bodily fluids or fecal matter)
Wiped up dairy, meat, or pet waste

So the next time you ask, \can you compost paper towels after cleaning your kitchen counter,\ make sure you know what was on the counter first!

Why Composting Paper Towels Matters

When you compost paper towels the right way, you help divert waste from landfills and reduce methane emissions. According to the EPA, organic waste in landfills generates methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

By answering “yes” to can you compost paper towels (when safe), you’re also turning that waste into nutrient-rich compost that benefits your plants, garden, and the earth.

How to Compost Paper Towels at Home

Here’s a step-by-step guide for adding paper towels to your compost pile:

1. Sort Your Paper Towels

Make sure the towels are not contaminated with grease, chemicals, or meat residues.

2. Tear or Shred the Paper Towels

Tear them into smaller pieces. This helps them break down faster and keeps your compost pile balanced.

3. Layer with Green and Brown Materials

Paper towels are considered brown material (carbon-rich), so layer them with green materials like fruit and veggie scraps.

4. Keep It Moist, Not Wet

The compost pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, the paper towels won’t break down effectively.

5. Turn Your Pile Regularly

Aerate your compost once every week or two. This speeds up decomposition and keeps bad odors away.

Can You Compost Paper Towels in a Worm Bin?

If you’re vermicomposting, you might wonder, can you compost paper towels using worms? The answer is yes — as long as the towels are free from chemicals or greasy residue. Shred them and add them as bedding or cover material. Worms love carbon-rich items like paper towels, but don’t overwhelm the bin.

Commercial Composting vs. Backyard Composting

Some municipalities offer curbside composting services. In those systems, industrial facilities can handle a wider range of materials, including lightly soiled paper towels. If you have access to commercial composting, you can compost a greater variety of paper towels than in your backyard.

Check with your local waste management provider about whether they accept used paper towels and under what conditions.

Alternatives to Composting Paper Towels

If composting is not an option, consider these eco-friendly alternatives:

Switch to reusable cloth towels – They’re washable and reduce paper waste.
Use unbleached or recycled paper towels – These break down more easily.
Recycle when possible – Although most paper towels can’t be recycled due to contamination, clean ones can sometimes be added to mixed paper recycling (check local guidelines).

Conclusion

So, can you compost paper towels? Absolutely — but only if they’re clean and free from contaminants. Paper towels are biodegradable and can be a valuable addition to your compost pile when used correctly. Always consider what the towel was used for, tear it into small pieces, and balance your compost with other organic materials.

By composting properly, you help reduce landfill waste, enrich your soil, and contribute to a more sustainable planet. Whether you’re an experienced composter or just starting out, understanding the role of paper towels in composting is a small but meaningful step toward eco-friendly living.