How to Properly Dispose of Toilet Paper Rolls

2. Compost It

Toilet paper rolls are also compostable, making them a great addition to your home composting system.

• Tear it into small pieces: This helps the cardboard break down faster.
• Balance with green waste: Cardboard is a “brown” compost material (carbon-rich), so mix it with “green” materials like vegetable scraps or grass clippings for optimal decomposition.
• Avoid shiny or coated rolls: If your roll has a glossy coating or is printed with colored ink, it’s best to recycle instead of compost.

3. Get Creative with Reuse

Before tossing that toilet paper roll into the recycling bin, consider reusing it. There are countless ways to give it a second life:

• DIY seed starters: Fill them with soil and plant seeds. Once the seedlings sprout, you can plant the whole roll in the ground — it will biodegrade naturally.
• Cord organizers: Wrap cords or cables around them to prevent tangles in drawers or storage bins.
• Craft projects for kids: From binoculars to holiday ornaments, toilet paper rolls are a go-to item for creative, kid-friendly crafts.

4. Avoid the Trash Can

Unless your toilet paper roll is heavily soiled, it shouldn’t go in the regular trash. Sending it to a landfill is unnecessary when it can be recycled, composted, or reused. Landfills are already overburdened with waste that could be diverted through more sustainable practices.

Final Thoughts

Toilet paper rolls may be small, but with billions used each year, how we dispose of them matters. By recycling, composting, or reusing them creatively, you can make a small but meaningful impact on reducing household waste. Next time you finish a roll, take a moment to consider the best disposal option — our planet will thank you.

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