Should You Flush Paper Towels? Think Twice!
Wondering if you can flush paper towels down the toilet? It’s a common question, especially since they’re so handy for cleaning up messes. But before you toss them in, here’s what you need to know.

What Are Paper Towels Made Of?
Paper towels are typically made from wood pulp, which is basically ground-up wood chips. This pulp is treated with chemicals, mixed with water to separate the fibers, and then pressed and dried into big rolls of paper. These rolls are later cut into smaller sheets, often with little holes and designs to soak up spills better. Some paper towels are also bleached to make them look whiter. Some companies use recycled paper pulp or a mix of recycled and fresh pulp to be more environmentally friendly.
Can Paper Towels Be Flushed?
In short, it’s not a good idea to flush paper towels down the toilet. Whether they’re the regular kind or made from recycled materials, they can mess up your plumbing and septic system. Paper towels don’t break down as easily as toilet tissue paper, so they can clog pipes and create big problems.
Some paper towels also release small amounts of chemicals, like formaldehyde, which can be rough on your plumbing. Even if you flush a small piece without any immediate issues, it can still cause problems later on.

What Happens If You Flush Paper Towels?
Unlike toilet paper, which breaks down quickly in water, paper towels are designed to hold their shape when wet. So, when you flush them, they can get stuck in your pipes and cause blockages. This can lead to backups and expensive plumbing repairs.
Flushing paper hand towels can also contribute to the formation of ‘fatbergs’, which are big clumps of non-biodegradable stuff like paper towel and wet wipes. Fatbergs can cause serious blockages in sewers and are a pain to remove.

How to Safely Dispose of Paper Towels
The best way to get rid of paper towels is to throw them in the trash. Here are a few tips for safe disposal:
- Be careful when composting: Paper towels are usually safe for composting unless they’re contaminated with chemicals, grease, or oil. Avoid composting anything that could harm the environment.
- Don’t recycle: Paper towels aren’t recyclable because they’re often contaminated with food waste and other stuff. Recycling facilities can’t handle them, so toss them in the trash instead.
Overall, try to use fewer disposable paper towel and switch to reusable options when you can. It’s better for the environment and your plumbing!
What Can Be Flushed Down the Toilet?
Limit flushing to human waste and toilet paper only. Even though some products are labeled as “flushable,” like wipes, they can still cause problems. Things like feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, and medications can clog pipes and lead to costly repairs.
Using septic-safe toilet tissue is crucial for protecting your plumbing. It breaks down faster in the septic tank, reducing the risk of clogs and other issues.

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