Hand Dryers Vs. Paper Towels

Deciding whether to provide paper towels or electric hand dryers in your company restrooms is an important decision. There are several considerations, including how much each will cost, environmental effects, required maintenance and hygienic concerns. Both paper towels and dryers have advantages and disadvantages, so consider the following information carefully when determining which option is best for your business.

Cost

While paper towel dispensers are cheaper than electric hand dryers and require little to no electricity, they actually cost more over time because of the ongoing expense of refilling paper towels.

Environmental Considerations

The use of paper towels can be very detrimental to the environment. Trees must be cut down to produce them. After use, paper towels are typically discarded in landfills. Hand dryers, however, use electricity which emits carbon dioxide into the air. But dryers are still the greener choice because they produce less waste.

Maintenance

Hand dryers require less maintenance than paper towel dispensers, which must constantly be refilled. However, in the event that a machine breaks, the expense of repairing hand dryers is greater that the cost of fixing paper towel dispensers.

Popularity

Some people prefer hand dryers because they believe it's the more environmentally-conscious option. However, there are many people who like paper towels because they don't have to wait for their hands to dry.

Sanitation

Dryers are typically less hygienic than paper towels, because most people do not let the dryer run its full cycle. Wet hands transfer bacteria more at a much higher rate than dry hands. However, paper towels create trash which must be continually cleared away.

Resources

• Electric Dryers vs. Paper Towels
• Electric Dryers vs. Paper Towels in the Public Washroom