How To Dispose Of Dryer Sheets (The Responsible Way)

When your laundry comes out of the dryer with that beautiful fresh scent, it's all too easy to just toss the used dryer sheet into the trash without a second thought. In this case, that's actually the right thing to do. Traditional dryer sheets are made with synthetic fibers coated in softeners and fragrance chemicals, and so they cannot be composted — they do not even break down easily in landfills. In fact, they can actually sit there for hundreds of years. These traditional dryer sheets also can't be recycled through your regular recycling programs since the fabric and chemical coating could contaminate the paper and plastic recycling.

If you'd like to reduce waste, start in the store before you even bring your sheets home and look for brands like Method and Grab Green that state they are fully compostable under municipal conditions or made from paper-based materials, which will biodegrade over time. And, if even that makes you uncomfortable and you're serious about cutting down on household trash, then it may even be time to ditch dryer sheets altogether and look into more eco-friendly alternatives like wool dryer balls.

Since your commercial dryer sheets are destined for the trash, you can give them another round of usefulness before they go with one of the brilliant ways you should be using dryer sheets outside the laundry room. Used dryer sheets make surprisingly good dust cloths that can grab lint, hair, and crumbs with ease and can even be used to polish stainless steel without leaving streaks. They can also be slipped into drawers, closets, or even gym bags and suitcases to freshen them up or get layered inside shoes to absorb odors. Dryer sheets have even more surprising uses around the home, such as a dryer sheets hack to clean paint brushes. Plus they have uses outside the home, too — more outdoorsy types may already know that if you bundle them with dryer lint inside an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll, you can make quick-lighting fire starters perfect for camping trips.

Once you've reused the dryer sheets a few times, simply place them in your regular garbage. Or if you're using paper-based or plant-based sheets, which are clearly labeled safe for compost, check for a local municipal composting program. Depending on your location, different programs may have curbside pickup or drop-off options. These simple moves can keep a surprising amount of waste out of landfill, which is better for the planet and better for your wallet.