Paper towel composting expands to Popp Martin Student Union and UREC

Did you know that UNC Charlotte has started collecting paper towels for composting at certain locations on campus?

The program, operated by recycling staff, the Office of Sustainability and building environmental services, began in the Fretwell Building in January 2024. After a year collecting paper towels and information from Fretwell Building users, the program is expanding to the Popp Martin Student Union and UREC.

Paper towels and compostable paper make up about 20% of the waste collected from UNC Charlotte buildings and make up the largest single item that the campus community can divert from landfills.

Paper towel collection bins are located in all public restrooms in Popp Martin Student Union and in the restrooms inside the locker rooms within UREC. Collected materials from the bins are sent to an industrial composting facility where they go through the composting process and turned into a nutrient-rich soil amendment.

For more information about the program, visit recycling.charlotte.edu.