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where does toilet paper go ?

**The Lifecycle and Journey of Toilet Paper: From the Factory to the Wastewater Treatment Plant**

Toilet paper is an essential commodity in our everyday lives, yet its journey from production to disposal is complex and often unknown to most. Let’s dive into the world of toilet paper, journeying from where it’s made to where it ultimately ends up after use.

**Where is Toilet Paper Made?**

Toilet paper is manufactured primarily in large factories known as mills. These mills transform wood pulp into the toilet paper we use for personal hygiene. Interestingly, while the United States does manufacture significant amounts of its own toilet paper, it also imports a fair share. China and other countries are notable contributors to the American market, supplying a portion of the toilet paper consumed. Despite China being the world’s largest exporter of toilet paper to the U.S., about 80% of its toilet paper is exported to other parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, showing the global implications of this everyday necessity.

**From the Factory Floor to the Bathroom**

Once manufactured, toilet paper is packaged and distributed across various retail channels. It makes its way to our bathrooms via supermarkets, convenience stores, and online markets, where consumers purchase it for use at home.

**Into the Home and Beyond**

When used, toilet paper meets an interesting fate that depends on the type of sanitation system it’s flushed into. In areas with centralized wastewater systems, toilet paper is designed to decompose quickly when flushed. The short cellulose fibers of toilet paper make it suitable for sewage systems, where it breaks down readily in water.

**What Happens After the Flush?**

After toilet paper is flushed, it joins the sewage stream as it makes its way to the sewage treatment plant. Here, a series of stages is designed to filter out contaminants and clean the water. The process of decomposing toilet paper begins early in this trip as it starts breaking down with the water flow, leading to the eventual creation of compost in the sludge digesters.

However, it’s important to distinguish between types of toilets. In a composting toilet, toilet paper is designed to break down well within the system, aiding in the process of transforming solid waste into compost. Yet, even in a composting toilet, not all paper is created equal. Some types of paper, while safe to flush, might not break down as easily and could pose issues with the system.

**Consequences of Inappropriate Disposal**

While toilet paper is indeed designed to be flushed, it’s crucial to ensure that only approved biodegradable paper is used, especially in systems that might be more sensitive or prone to clogging, like septic systems. Excessive use or the wrong kind of paper can lead to blockages, higher costs for septic system maintenance, and even environmental damage if the wrong items end up in the sewage.

**Where *Doesn’t* Toilet Paper Go?**

Some places in the world still do not follow the norm of flushing toilet paper. In regions where sanitation infrastructure is less sophisticated, toilet paper usually ends up in bins and is not flushed, adding to the layer of waste management practices within a community.

**Conclusion**

The journey of toilet paper from its point of origin to its final disposal in the sewage system provides insight into the global trade, consumer habits, and wastewater management practices. Understanding its lifecycle can help us make environmentally conscious choices, such as selecting products made from a high proportion of recycled materials and responsibly managing disposal to minimize environmental impact.