Why is recycled toilet paper brown?

Author: Tom Dickens MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Recycled unbleached toilet paper is made from recycled materials that may have been bleached in their previous lifetimes, but are not bleached again during recycling. It typically has a natural brown or gray colour because the original fibres retain some previous treatments.

Why is my toilet paper turning brown?

Sometimes, tiny particles of stool can remain after wiping, especially if the stool is hard or not fully eliminated, which might appear as brown specs. Dietary factors, like consuming certain foods or supplements such as iron, could also cause changes in stool color, leading to these brown specs.

Why is there no colored toilet paper anymore?

Consumer demand declined, and by 1987, the FDA placed a ban on dyes used in the coloration of toilet paper due to an increased risk of health problems. Most major manufacturers stopped producing it, effectively ending the era of the pink toilet paper roll.

Is it safe to use recycled toilet paper?

All paper products made of recycled paper fibers (paper towels, toilet paper, paper napkins) are safe. And using them is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Buy them creates demand, which makes recycling paper more economic.

Why is recycled paper grey?

To make recycled paper as white as virgin fibre paper requires the pulp to be bleached. Without this bleaching, recycled paper will always look darker or dirtier than virgin fibre paper.

How is recycled toilet paper made?

Why are old papers Brown?

Aside from foxing, other types of age-related paper deterioration include destruction of the lignin by sunlight and absorbed atmospheric pollution, typically causing the paper to become brown and crumble at the edges, and acid-related damage to cheap paper such as newsprint, which manufacturers make without ...

Is recycled paper actually recycled?

You put your recycling in the bin. You drop it at the curb or take it to your local drop-off. Then you wonder, is my paper actually getting recycled? Yes!

What is the healthiest toilet paper to use?

For those with sensitive skin, bamboo toilet paper is the top pick. It's hypoallergenic, free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes, reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Enjoy a gentle and soothing experience with this chlorine free and non toxic option.

Why can't toilet paper be recycled?

Toilet paper is generally made from new or 'virgin' paper which means it's made directly of tree pulp and it does not contain any recycled content. Chemicals and water are also used in the production process to break down the trees into a usable fibre.

Does Charmin have formaldehyde?

The Issue With Toilet Tissue

The destruction doesn't stop there: companies like Cottonelle, Quilted Northern, Angel Soft, and Charmin (sigh) use a tremendous amount of energy, water, bleach, and formaldehyde to turn this wood fiber into ultra-plush toilet paper.

What's the point of black toilet paper?

Black tissue paper excels at hiding unsightly marks or fingerprints, making it particularly popular in high-traffic bathrooms. Additionally, many manufacturers of black toilet paper focus on premium quality, often incorporating lotions and essential oils into their products for an enhanced user experience.

Is brown toilet paper better?

Unbleached toilet paper skips the chemical bleaching process, keeping its natural brown or off-white colour. This reduces health risks associated with chemical exposure and minimizes environmental impact by avoiding the release of harmful substances into the ecosystem.

Why does France have pink toilet paper?

It is said that pink was the regional preference at the time; how they came to this conclusion, is a mystery! It is thought that this colour was selected to compliment the bathroom décor – pink bathroom anyone? Of course, white toilet paper is available in France (it's also cheaper), it's just much less common.

Does Germany use toilet paper?

In this respect, Germany is in front all the European countries: significantly more toilet paper is used here than in France or Italy.

Why did they quit making colored toilet paper?

It was no longer aesthetically pleasing, according to the design police. More neutral palettes took preference, especially in the bathroom decor.

What is the problem with recycled toilet paper?

Other drawbacks of recycled toilet paper: Some recycled brands go through a bleaching process. There have been traces of BPA found in some recycled papers. It's often not as soft or strong as other options.

Why can't kitchen rolls be recycled?

By the time paper has been recycled into something new, its fibres are so short that it cannot be recycled again. The other reason kitchen roll cannot be recycled comes down to what we use it for. While some recycling centres may accept unused kitchen roll, once it is used it cannot be recycled.

Why is recycled toilet paper more expensive?

More and more people working from home means less and less waste office printer paper, and that is the most commonly-used material for recycled tissue. So the waste paper needed to make recycled tissue has to be shipped from further afield, meaning, you guessed it, higher costs.

What toilet paper do gynecologists recommend?

Use white, unscented toilet paper. Avoid "ultra soft" or "ultra strong" products, they are overly processed with chlorine and formaldehyde. Use a basic toilet paper such as Angel Soft, Scott or 7th Generation.

Is recycled toilet paper or bamboo toilet paper better?

Well, it comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for eco-friendly toilet paper, recycled or bamboo are the way to go. If you're looking for the most environmentally friendly option, recycled toilet paper definitely has bamboo pipped at the post because it doesn't require raw materials.

What toilet paper do plumbers recommend?

Low-ply – Single or two-ply paper is thinner and dissolves faster, reducing buildup in pipes. Septic-safe – This type is designed for septic systems but benefits all plumbing by breaking down easily, reducing the risk of blockages.

How much recycling actually gets recycled in 2024?

Only 21% of recyclable material is captured and all materials are under-recycled. 76% of recyclables are lost at the household level, underscoring the importance of providing all households with recycling services and engaging people with good communication about how to recycle locally.

Why is recycled paper so expensive?

Cost Of Recycled Paper

Because a product is more environmentally friendly, does not mean it is going to be cheap. Think about the additional processes that it takes to recycle and to reproduce a product with that recycled material in comparison to creating a new product without the recycling process.

How much of your recycling actually gets recycled?

How much plastic is actually being recycled? In the United States, only about 5% to 6% of plastics are being recycled each year—a paltry rate.

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