Most wet wipes look like they are made of cotton – they are white, soft, and absorbent. However, most are made of polyester and polypropylene. In other words, most baby or toilet wet wipes are made of non-recyclable plastic.
Wet Wipes & Wet Towels
Baby, Disinfectant, Disposable, Napkin, Wet tissue, Wetwipe, Fatberg
Recyclable?
Blue Bins & Chutes
Other Recycling
Recommended
Trash
Important! Wet wipes and wet disposable towels should never be flushed down the toilet. Throw them in the bin.
Wet wipes are "lipophilic" (fats & oils stick to it) and are famous for causing clogs and fatbergs in the sewers.
Also, most brands of wet wipes are made with plastic so even those that claim to be biodegradable may be breaking down into microplastics which ultimately can end up in the oceans, entering the food chain, and causing harm to sea life.
General Waste
Alternative
Tips & Suggestions
Because this material is so good at picking up oil, it is useful to save used but not too dirty wet wipes and napkins for cleaning up greasy jobs in the kitchen - like wiping up oil in a frying pan before washing it. For this kind of job, they work even if they are dry. Old dried out wet napkins are perfect for this.
Keep a jar of old wet wipes and napkins handy to cut down on your use of paper towels.
