As of [Month] [Day], 2025, paper towel dispensers in select washrooms across the university’s St. George Campus will no longer be restocked as part of a waste reduction pilot initiative. This initiative is led by the Student Leadership Subcommittee of CECCS in partnership with the Caretaking team in Facilities & Services.
The content below has been prepared by the subcommittee for informational purposes and reference.
Why We’re Saying Goodbye to Paper Towels
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Understanding the Connection Between Waste and Climate Change
Every year, millions of tons of waste contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, significantly impacting climate change. Among these wastes, paper towels are notable contributors. They are often used once and then disposed of, leading to enormous waste that largely ends up in landfills or incineration facilities. This not only contributes to landfill mass but also results in methane production, a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates global warming.
The Reality of Limited Resources
Our planet’s resources are finite, and every product we use has an environmental footprint. From the energy consumed during production to the effects of disposal, paper towels are a stark example of unnecessary waste. Opting for alternatives like hand dryers is a step towards more sustainable consumption.
Why Can’t Paper Towels Be Recycled?
Contrary to common belief, paper towels cannot be recycled due to their manufacturing process and the high likelihood of contamination. Paper towels are created from a blend of cardboard, wood, and other paper by-products that are processed into a pulp, making the fibers too short to be remade into new paper. This, coupled with chemical additives in production and residues from uses such as cleaning up spills, makes them unsuitable for the recycling process.
Why Can’t Paper Towels Be Composted?
To be composted, paper towels need to be mixed with food waste and other wet, compostable material. Since such large amounts of paper towel waste is produced on campus, this option is not currently feasible. Furthermore, composting does not address the emissions association with the entire lifecycle of paper towel production, transportation, and disposal. Reducing the paper towels used is the best option.
Take the Initiative Home
We encourage you to adopt sustainable practices in your personal spaces as well. Opting for reusable cloth towels, old/worn-out t-shirts, or other rags significantly helps reduce waste while conserving the energy used throughout the paper towel lifecycle. Additionally, unlike single-use paper towels which require constant repurchasing, reusable alternatives are more durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting, making them a practical and eco-friendly choice. Simple swaps like these contribute to a healthier planet for all.
Debunking Myths: FAQs About Hand Dryers
The following questions and answers have been developed by the Student Leadership Subcommittee.
Are hand dryers less hygienic than paper towels?
No, this is a common misconception. Studies, including those conducted by the University of Arizona (University of Arizona Health Sciences, 2020) and the Mayo Clinic (Gustafson et al, 2000), have shown that hand dryers are as hygienic as paper towels in removing bacteria from washed hands. The key to effective hand hygiene lies in how hands are washed, not in how they are dried.
Do hand dryers spread more bacteria than paper towels?
Research indicates no significant difference in the spread of bacteria between using hand dryers and paper towels. The key to effective hand hygiene lies in how hands are washed, not in how they are dried.
Are hand dryers environmentally unfriendly?
While hand dryers do consume electricity, their overall environmental impact is less than that of paper towels, which contribute to deforestation and waste. Using energy-efficient hand dryers can minimize this impact further. Ontario has one of the cleanest grids on the planet, which makes the use of hand dryers even more viable than paper towels.
Do hand dryers use too much electricity?
While hand dryers do use electricity, their overall environmental impact is less than that of producing, transporting, and disposing of paper towels. Modern hand dryers are designed to be more energy-efficient, and many models have a lower carbon footprint over their lifespan compared to the continuous manufacture and disposal of paper towels. Ontario has one of the cleanest grids on the planet, which makes the use of hand dryers even more viable than paper towels.
Can the noise from hand dryers be harmful?
Some hand dryers can be loud, but the noise levels typically do not pose a risk to human health. Manufacturers have made strides in reducing the noise output of newer models. Additionally, the duration of exposure to the noise while drying hands is generally very short, mitigating potential harm.
Are hand dryers as effective as paper towels in drying hands?
Yes, when used properly, hand dryers are just as effective as paper towels in drying hands. The key is to use the dryer until your hands are fully dry. Proper hand hygiene involves thoroughly drying hands, as damp hands can transmit pathogens more readily than dry hands.
How do hand dryers impact indoor air quality?
Concerns about hand dryers circulating bacteria are largely unfounded. Studies have shown that air quality is not significantly affected by the use of hand dryers. Properly maintained and cleaned hand dryers do not pose a health risk in terms of air quality.
What is the most environmentally friendly option for drying hands?
From a sustainability perspective, energy-efficient hand dryers offer a significant reduction in environmental impact compared to single-use paper towels, which contribute to deforestation and waste. When considering resources used over time, hand dryers generally represent a greener choice.
References
- Business Wire. (2020, September 1). New study: Hand dryers equally hygienic to paper towels for drying hands. Retrieved from https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200910005927/en/New-Study-Hand-Dryers-Equally-Hygienic-to-Paper-Towels-for-Drying-Han
- Corry Davis, A. Y. (2021, March 10). Can you recycle paper towels? Treehugger. Retrieved from https://www.treehugger.com/can-you-recycle-paper-towels-4863465
- Gustafson, D. R., Vetter, E. A., Larson, D. R., Ilstrup, D. M., Maker, M. D., Thompson, R. L., & Cockerill III, F. R. (2000, July). Effects of 4 hand-drying methods for removing bacteria from washed hands: a randomized trial. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 75, No. 7, pp. 705-708). Elsevier.
- Reynolds, K. A., Sexton, J. D., Norman, A., & McClelland, D. J. (2021). Comparison of electric hand dryers and paper towels for hand hygiene: a critical review of the literature. Journal of applied microbiology, 130(1), 25-39.
- University of Arizona Health Sciences. (2020, September 8). Paper towels vs. air hand dryers: UArizona Health Sciences researchers evaluate effectiveness of both hand-drying methods. Retrieved from https://healthsciences.arizona.edu/news/releases/paper-towels-vs-air-hand-dryers-uarizona-health-sciences-researchers-evaluate-effectiveness
- Yamamoto, Y., Ugai, K., & Takahashi, Y. (2005). Efficiency of hand drying for removing Bacteria from washed hands comparison of paper towel drying with warm air drying. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 26(3), 316-320.
- Cassandra Chanen, N., Radatus-Smith, N.S., Kavanagh, S. (2022). LCA of non-hazardous waste disposal methods to determine most sustainable management of three problem waste streams at the University of Toronto: paper towels, coffee cups, and styrofoam. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r-Reh0UpqvDKWljsDB1CqyZK5_INzxN-/view