Tissue paper is a common item that you’ll find in most homes, often used for wrapping gifts, crafts, blowing noses, wiping faces, and much more. Many people don’t give it a second thought and simply dispose of their tissue paper in the trash can. Whereas it’s appropriate for many uses, there are certain times when you might consider recycling your tissue paper. In this article, we explore whether tissue paper can be recycled and the factors that affect its recyclability.
What Is Tissue Paper Used For?
These are some common items that are made from tissue paper:
- Facial tissues
- Napkins
- Paper towels
- Toilet tissue
- Medical wipes
- Crêpe paper
What Is Tissue Paper Made Of?
Tissue paper is a type of paper that is thin, lightweight, and pretty delicate compared to regular paper that you might use in your printer. It’s made from either virgin wood pulp or recycled paper pulp from softwood trees that have long and strong fibers. The manufacturing process involves several steps, including pulping, pressing, and drying the paper pulp.
Virgin wood pulp tissue paper is made from cellulose fibers that are obtained from trees such as spruce, pine, or fir. The wood is chipped and boiled to extract the cellulose fibers, which are then bleached and formed into thin sheets of tissue paper.
Some forms of tissue paper, such as napkins and paper towels, are particularly absorbent due to the additional space (air pockets) between the cellulose fibers.
Recycled paper pulp tissue paper is made from post-consumer recycled paper products such as newspapers, magazines, and cardboard boxes. The recycled paper is first sorted and cleaned to remove any contaminants, such as staples or plastic. It is then pulped, de-inked, and formed into thin sheets of tissue paper.
Image Credit: Julian Paolo Dayag via unsplash
Can You Recycle Tissue Paper?
As we’ve already touched on — tissue paper is not the same as regular paper. The thinness and delicacy of tissue paper make it trickier to recycle than regular paper.
One of the main factors that prevent tissue paper from being recycled is whether it’s been contaminated with other materials. If it’s been soiled with food, grease, or other substances, then typically, it can’t be recycled. This is because the contamination can cause problems during the recycling process, leading to lower-quality recycled paper products.
Despite the challenges, tissue paper can be recycled in some cases. Clean tissue paper that has not been contaminated with other materials can generally be recycled. However, not all recycling centers accept tissue paper, so it’s best to check with your local recycling center before you start saving up all your household tissue!
If you get the go-ahead from your local recycling center, make sure that your tissue paper is clean and dry, as any moisture or contamination can cause problems during the recycling process. Always remove any stickers or tape from the tissue paper, as these can also not be compatible with recycling.
Can Colored Tissue Paper Be Composted?
Image Credit: nanihta via Envato Elements
If your local recycling center does not accept tissue paper, don’t throw it in the trash just yet! One option is to compost the tissue paper. Tissue paper that is made from unbleached paper pulp can be composted along with other organic materials. However, tissue paper that has been treated with chemicals or synthetic dyes should not be composted as these materials can be harmful to your compost and the environment.
Another option for disposing of tissue paper is to simply throw it in the trash. While this is not the most environmentally friendly option, it is better than trying to recycle contaminated tissue paper or spoiling your valuable compost.
Alternatives To Using Tissue Paper
Image Credit: Big_Heartvia via Pixabay
Although using tissue paper may seem insignificant, the quantity you use can seriously add up when used daily as toilet tissue, facial tissue, and other common uses. Always be mindful of the amount of tissue paper you’re using, and try to reduce waste wherever possible. Ask yourself, do you need 3 or 4 sheets when 2 or 3 may do the job?
You can reduce usage by switching to reusable alternatives such as cloth napkins or handkerchiefs or even going as far as getting a bidet fitted in your bathroom. This not only reduces waste but can also save money in the long run. Additionally, choosing tissue paper that is made from recycled paper pulp or opting for unbleached tissue paper can also help to reduce the environmental impact.
Final Thoughts on Recycling Tissue Paper
Tissue paper can be recycled in some cases, but it is important to check with your local recycling center to determine whether they accept it or not. Always consider factors such as contamination, chemicals, and the quality of the paper that can all affect the recyclability of tissue paper.
If tissue paper can’t be recycled, it can still be disposed of properly through composting or the trash. As an item that’s used on a daily basis, it’s so important to be mindful of the amount we consume and try to reduce waste wherever possible. By taking these small steps, we can all contribute to a healthier and more sustainable planet.
No Comments