Algonquin throws in the towel

Posted on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023

This spring, Algonquin College will be phasing out using paper hand towels in most College washrooms to exclusively use alreadyThrow in the Towel. Algonquin College is phasing out using paper hand towels in college washrooms and is committed to increasing sustainable practices, and reducing waste installed automatic hand dryers on the Ottawa Campus. Currently the College spends approximately $100K/year on hand paper towels and an additional $70K in labour-related costs for stocking washrooms and collecting waste.

“The College is committed to increasing sustainable practices and reducing waste and emissions associated with daily operations,” said Ryan Southwood, Executive Director, Facilities Management, Algonquin College. “The College is committed to lowering its ecological footprint by managing waste and continuing on the path from green to sustainable.”

The actual hand paper towel dispensers will be removed. This will affect 170 washrooms on the Ottawa Campus.

In the past 18 months, the cost of paper towel has more than doubled. Not only is it more expensive, but it is non-compostable, so waste ends up in a landfill.

In terms of waste volume this represents at least 44,200 bags (30 gallons) that goes into a landfill annually. The College uses 2,100 cases of paper towels each year or 9,765,000 ft of paper per year.

Note: Paper towels will remain available in shops, classrooms, labs and kitchens as well as the E, R and X Buildings. Only washrooms with installed hand dryers will be affected by this change.


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