The disposal of paper towels through flushing is not recommended. Unlike toilet paper, specifically designed to disintegrate upon contact with water, paper towels are engineered to absorb liquid while maintaining structural integrity, making them more durable and less prone to effective disintegration when flushed. The disintegration rate is subject to variations in brand, thickness, and composition.
Under optimal conditions, where the paper towel is consistently exposed to flowing water, it may break down within minutes to possibly hours. However, conventional waste systems lack a continuous water flow, and the presence of other materials can extend the disintegration process to days, weeks, or even longer. It is crucial to recognise that even if a paper towel eventually breaks down, flushing it down the toilet can contribute to plumbing issues and may not align with environmentally friendly practices.
It is recommended to dispose of paper towels in the general waste bin rather than flushing them down the toilet.
Bumboo kitchen towels are made with 100% bamboo, super absorbent, durable, and have 100 sheets per roll! They are available in packs of 12, or part of a mixed product pack - toilet roll, kitchen towels, and facial tissues - all in one neat package!
Photo credit: Vlada Karpovich @ Pexels