Paper towels are absorbent, disposable sheets that are used mainly for cleaning up liquid spills, drying hands and wiping down surfaces like kitchen counters, bathroom counters, tables and computer desks. Combined with all-purpose cleaners and disinfecting wipes, they can help keep areas clean and germ-free. They can also be helpful in food preparation by drying food and absorbing oil.

Paper towels are not recyclable because their fibres are too short to be reused and they are usually soiled with food, grease, dirt and cleaning products when they’re used, which ruins other recyclables. The same thing goes for other paper products like toilet paper, facial tissues and napkins. However, you can buy paper products that are made from recycled fibres that are more environmentally friendly.

Paper towels that are clean or food-soiled can be composted. They can act as a carbon-rich “brown” material that breaks down quickly. However, paper towels that are soiled with synthetic chemicals like cleaners and bleach must go in the garbage because they can’t be composted. If you want to start composting, we have compost bins and compost bags to choose from.

Paper towel types can be split into household and commercial rolls, varying by sheet design, ply thickness and paper materials. Different types of household paper towel rolls include select-a-size paper towels with perforated lines, full-sheet paper towels with no perforated lines, recycled paper towels made from recycled paper and bamboo paper towels that use bamboo instead of wood pulp.

When choosing the right paper towel dispenser or paper towel holder, find one that fits the space you want to put it in and can hold the paper towel rolls you want to use. You can choose between countertop paper towel holders, wall-mounted paper towel holders or automatic paper towel holders based on whether you’re shopping for your home or workplace.