The Shocking Napkin Mistake Almost Everyone Makes: How to Dispose of Them Correctly!

The intuitive reaction of many is: "Paper? So, into the paper recycling!" Sounds logical, but it's an absolute misstep in waste separation. The truth is: Used napkins have NO place in the paper recycling. The reason for this is quite simple, but crucial for the recycling process.

Why Soiled Napkins Destroy Recycling

Once a napkin has been used, it has usually come into contact with food residues, fats, oils, or other liquids. These contaminants are a nightmare for recycling plants. Recycled paper must be as clean and dry as possible to be efficiently processed into new paper. Fats and food residues significantly complicate the processing and, in the worst case, can render entire batches of paper unusable. This is not only annoying but also a huge waste of resources!

The Invisible Enemy: Wet Strength Agents

But there is another reason why napkins – and by the way, tissues or paper towels – do not belong in the paper recycling: They contain so-called wet strength agents. These chemical additives ensure that the tissues do not immediately dissolve when they come into contact with liquid. Practical for use, but a real problem in recycling. The wet strength agents make the separation of fibers significantly more difficult and make the recycling process more complex and expensive.

The Absolute No-Go: Into the Organic Waste Bin?

Some might think: "If it can't go into the paper recycling, then maybe into the organic waste bin, after all, they are organic materials!" Here too, we have to disappoint you. Napkins, just like their counterparts, tissues and paper towels, are not suitable for the organic waste bin. The colors and chemicals they contain, including the aforementioned wet strength agents, ensure that they are not fully compostable and thus reduce the quality of the organic waste.

The Golden Rule of Waste Disposal for Napkins

The solution is actually quite simple and remember it well: Used napkins, tissues, paper towels, and paper tablecloths ALWAYS belong in the RESIDUAL WASTE. Yes, you heard right. Even if the napkin has only a tiny grease spot or is slightly damp, it belongs in the residual waste. Only unused, absolutely clean, and dry napkins could theoretically go into the paper recycling, but to avoid confusion and mistakes, the residual waste bin is the safest choice for all napkins.

Make a difference and actively contribute to environmental protection by following this simple but important waste separation tip. It's a small gesture with a big impact!

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.