Do you think you sort your waste well? However, a small everyday gesture often goes unnoticed… and it’s wrong in 8 out of 10 cases. This concerns an item you use every day, especially in winter or when you have a cold: the paper tissue. It seems harmless, recyclable, almost innocuous. But in reality, it hides a trap that few people know about.
This mistake can be costly. Not just for the environment, but also for the proper functioning of recycling in France. So before you toss your next tissue, hold on for a moment. A new rule might surprise you.
Why Tissues Don’t Go In The Yellow Bin
A tissue looks like a sheet of paper. So, we often think we can throw it in the yellow bin, like newspapers or cardboard. But in fact, it’s not at all the same thing.
The paper used in tissues is very thin and fragile. It’s made from small fibers that break easily. In recycling plants, this paper doesn’t withstand the machinery. It disintegrates and cannot be processed like other papers.
Additionally, when the tissue is dirty, it becomes dangerous. It may contain microbes or substances that dirty the rest of the recycling. That’s why tissues should never go in the yellow bin.
The Real Risk of Poorly Sorted Tissues
When you throw a tissue in the wrong bin, it’s not just a small mistake. This action can have serious consequences. If the tissue is dirty, with snot or food remnants, it can contaminate the entire sorting process.
The machines can no longer separate the waste properly, and even other papers become unusable. Worse, the microbes or substances on it can contaminate other materials. This means that an entire batch of paper that could have been recycled has to be discarded.
Such mistakes waste a lot of time, money, and raw materials. It also makes it harder for the people responsible for sorting. All this due to a simple tissue being improperly disposed of.
What’s The Right Bin For Tissues?
You might be wondering: where should these tissues go? The answer is simple: in the regular household waste bin. That’s the standard bin for waste that cannot be recycled.
Even if your tissue looks clean, it should not go in the yellow bin. The same applies for paper towels or napkins. All of these papers are used once and quickly get dirty.
Once used, they can no longer be recycled. So, to do the right thing, always throw them in the correct bin, the one for regular waste. It’s a simple action, but very important for proper sorting.
What The New Local Guidelines Change
In some cities, rules are changing to improve waste sorting. For instance, a region in Normandy has replaced the black bin with a transparent bag. This new bag allows visibility of its contents.
This way, sorting agents can more quickly spot mistakes. They can also better inform residents about necessary changes. Furthermore, local authorities are encouraging residents to use fewer disposable tissues and paper towels.
Instead, they can opt for washable alternatives. It’s better for the planet and often more economical. If you’re unsure what to do at home, it’s best to ask your local municipality. Each city may have its own rules.
