Is Your Business Toilet Paper Septic-Safe? What You Need to Know

Choosing the right toilet paper for your business isn’t just about comfort and cost — it’s also about compatibility with your plumbing and septic system. More businesses in Aotearoa are making the switch to eco friendly toilet paper, but is it truly safe for your pipes and septic tanks? Let’s break it down.

Why Septic-Safe Toilet Paper Matters

In a commercial setting, clogged toilets or damaged septic systems can cause major disruptions — and hefty repair bills. Using the wrong type of toilet paper, especially in high-traffic bathrooms, can result in slow breakdown, blockages, and long-term plumbing issues.

Eco friendly toilet paper, when properly manufactured, is often softer on both the environment and your infrastructure. Recycled and bamboo options are designed to break down quickly, making them ideal for use with septic tanks.

What Makes Toilet Paper Septic-Safe?

Toilet paper is considered septic-safe if it:

• Breaks down rapidly when flushed

• Doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or bleach that harm beneficial bacteria in your septic tank

• Is low in lint and free of synthetic fibres

Look for options that are:

• Recycled or made from sustainable bamboo fibres

• FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council)

• Unbleached or oxygen-bleached instead of chlorine

Is Eco Friendly Toilet Paper the Right Choice?

Absolutely. Most eco friendly jumbo rolls are designed with septic systems in mind. Here's why they're a better choice for your business:

1. Faster Breakdown

Recycled paper breaks down much quicker than traditional paper made from virgin wood pulp. That means fewer blockages and smoother operations.

2. No Harsh Chemicals

Eco toilet paper avoids toxic bleaches and fragrances, which can harm the bacterial balance in septic tanks.

3. Kinder to the Environment

Eco friendly toilet paper reduces landfill waste, uses less water in production, and often comes in plastic-free packaging.

4. Cost-Efficient in the Long Run

Fewer plumbing problems mean fewer maintenance costs. Many jumbo rolls also last longer, requiring fewer changeovers.

Further reading: Why Is Recycled Toilet Paper the Eco-Friendly Choice?

What to Watch Out For

Not all products labelled “eco” are created equal. To ensure you’re getting truly septic-safe toilet paper:

• Avoid greenwashing: look for third-party certifications

• Test before full implementation in large commercial systems

• Ensure compatibility with your dispensers

FAQ: Business Septic-Safe Toilet Paper

Q: Is bamboo toilet paper safe for septic tanks?
A: Yes. Bamboo toilet paper is naturally soft, strong, and breaks down efficiently, making it ideal for septic systems.

Q: What ply is best for septic systems?
A: 1-2 ply options are generally best for fast breakdown. 3-ply may be softer but it breaks down slower.

Q: Can I use recycled toilet paper in a commercial setting?
A: Absolutely. Many commercial recycled jumbo rolls are designed for high-traffic environments.

How Insinc Can Help

At Insinc, we supply a wide range of eco friendly jumbo toilet rolls that are safe for your business's septic system. Our products are FSC-certified, soft, strong, and designed to meet the demands of New Zealand workplaces.

We also provide expert advice to ensure you're selecting the best products for your facilities — whether you're in education, healthcare, hospitality or commercial property.

Summary

Switching to eco friendly toilet paper isn’t just a sustainability move — it’s a smart decision for the health of your business's septic system. Choose products that break down quickly, avoid harmful chemicals, and come from sustainable sources.

For help finding the right eco options, talk to the team at Insinc today.