What to do with used paper towels and plates?

Question

Hello,
I am in the act of trying to go green, recycling has now become a part of my daily life and I am in the process of starting a green campaign at my school. Since recycling all plastic, office paper, aluminum, and glass, I have found that my trash bags are filled primarily with used paper towels, paper plates, and used sugar packets. Does anyone have an eco friendly option for these leftovers? I have heard of people composting used paper products but it concerns me that will all of the chemicals put into paper towels, bleach etc.. that maybe that would be bad for the soil and waterways, therefore taking out the benefit of composting and in turn polluting the ground and food from my garden. Does anyone have any experience doing this? Personal advice will be much appreciated!
Thank you,
- Karah.

Answer 1

My college is trying to go green and they compost all the paper towels and paper plates. Paper towels are made of recycled fibers, so used paper towels break down very easily. This method can be implemented to create mulch to use in gardens. Some waste disposal companies, like Waste Management, will accept paper towels as yard waste and use it in a similar fashion.

Answer 2

Paper products are biodegradable so you can just toss them.

Answer 3

One person changing doesn't matter, just keep going on normally.