Although sustainable serviettes have been around for eco-conscious diners for years, only recently have companies begun to work on ways to recycle them post-consumer use. In 2002, a conglomerate of Canadian government offices ran a pilot program to recycle paper towels and use them as compost at landfills to decrease wind erosion and enrich the soil. The program was successful in reducing demand for natural resources, diverting paper from landfills and creating new jobs in the recycling industry.
It’s relatively simple to implement this concept on a smaller scale at home. Used napkins and paper towels can be collected in a designated bag or bin. It’s crucial to keep these items separate from other recyclable items, as they will typically contain food, mold, germs and other organic particles that can cause contamination. For sanitary purposes, use gloves to rip the napkins or towels into small pieces. These shreds can then be added to the compost pile or used as mulch in the garden.
Have other thoughts on eco-friendly napkins and other end-of-the-line recyclables? Leave us a note in the comments below.