Which category does used paper towels fall under?

Used paper towels are classified as solid waste because they are considered general refuse that does not pose a threat to public health or the environment when disposed of properly. Solid waste includes items that can be thrown away without any special handling or treatment, and used paper towels typically fall into this category as they are a common byproduct of everyday activities, especially in healthcare settings where hygiene is a priority.

While other classifications like regulated medical waste and hazardous waste are more stringent and apply to materials that may contain pathogens or harmful substances, used paper towels do not meet the criteria for these categories unless they are specifically contaminated with infectious materials. Recyclable waste refers to materials that can be reprocessed and reused, but used paper towels are generally not recyclable due to contamination with waste products. Therefore, categorizing used paper towels as solid waste is the logical approach based on their nature and disposal requirements.