The way you dispose of tissue paper depends on the type of bin and the tissue paper itself.
Different Disposal Options for Tissue Paper
Here's a breakdown of how to handle tissue paper disposal:
1. General Waste Bin
- If the tissue paper is soiled or contains glitter or foil, it should go into the general waste bin.
2. Recycling Bin
- Generally, tissue paper is not recyclable due to its short fibers and often being contaminated. Always check your local guidelines as this may vary.
3. Compost Bin (Home or Industrial)
- Plain, unadorned tissue paper can be composted. According to provided information, "tissue paper is accepted at many industrial compost facilities and can be home-composted as long as it is free of foil and glitter".
- Unadorned tissue paper can be a healthy addition to a compost pile, helping absorb excess moisture from food waste and bioplastics.
Summary Table: Tissue Paper Disposal
| Bin Type | Acceptable Tissue Paper |
|---|---|
| General Waste | Soiled tissue paper, tissue paper with glitter or foil, tissue paper that your local guidelines state can't be composted or recycled. |
| Recycling | Rarely accepted: Check local guidelines. |
| Compost (Home) | Plain, unadorned tissue paper without foil or glitter. |
| Compost (Industrial) | Plain, unadorned tissue paper without foil or glitter (check with the facility). |
Important Considerations:
- Always check your local waste disposal guidelines for the most accurate information.
- When in doubt, it's generally better to put tissue paper in the general waste bin to avoid contaminating recycling or compost streams.
