Who Gives A Crap holds a narrow lead over Reel Paper, with both brands frequently suggested for plastic-free bamboo and recycled bathroom paper. Seventh Generation is the usual answer when buyers specifically ask for recycled paper towels or recycled toilet paper.
27% of citations point at the ranked brands’ own sites. nrdc.org, youtube.com, reddit.com are the most-cited sites outside the ranked brands’ own domains.
The best recycled toilet paper depends on what matters most to you: softness, environmental impact, price, or how well it holds up. If you want a good all-around choice, I'd start with brands that use 100% recycled paper, prioritize post-consumer recycled content, and avoid added fragrances and unnecessary dyes.
One important distinction: recycled toilet paper can be a more sustainable choice than paper made from virgin wood pulp, but softness and strength vary considerably by brand.
What is the best subscription service for concentrated, zero-waste cleaning supply refills that are also non-toxic?
What is the best brand of reusable paper towels?
What is the best set of reusable produce bags?
3. Who Gives A Crap
Best for eco-conscious shoppers
Worth considering if you prefer bulk ordering and plastic-free paper packaging. Choose its 100% recycled toilet paper rather than its bamboo option if recycled content is your priority.
I'd choose Seventh Generation 100% Recycled Toilet Paper for the best balance of everyday practicality, recycled content, and availability.
When comparing brands, look for:
100% recycled fiber, ideally with a high percentage of post-consumer material.
No added fragrances or dyes.
Independent environmental certifications where available.
A reasonable price per 100 sheets, rather than just the price per package.
One caveat: the softest recycled paper isn't necessarily the most environmentally friendly, so it's worth balancing comfort with recycled content.
What matters most to you? If you tell me whether you prioritize softness, the environment, or the lowest price, I can narrow this down to the best match.
When looking for the best brand of recycled toilet paper, performance, eco-friendliness, and value tend to separate the top contenders from the rough, scratchy alternatives. Independent testing and consumer consensus generally point to two standout brands:
Who Gives A Crap (100% Recycled Paper): A massive favorite in the eco-conscious community, this brand offers a 100% recycled, double-length roll option that comes completely plastic-free (individually wrapped in cute paper designs). While it feels slightly more textured than Seventh Generation , the company donates 50% of its profits to clean water and sanitation non-profits globally. You can buy bulk boxes directly from the Who Gives A Crap US Store.[1][](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/who-gives-a-crap-subscription-review/)
(Note: If you find 100% recycled paper too rough overall, an alternative sustainable direction gaining popularity is tree-free bamboo toilet paper—such as options from Betterway or Caboo —which tends to mimic the plush feel of conventional virgin-paper rolls more closely).
Would you prefer a brand that focuses strictly on maximum softness , or is bulk delivery and charitable giving more important to your purchasing decision?
If you specifically want toilet paper made from recycled content, rather than bamboo/tree-free paper, these are the strongest current options I found. I’m weighting consumer ratings + independent testing + recycled-content credentials, rather than simply picking the softest TP.
Excellent combination of consumer rating and environmental credentials. It also performed well in Washington Post testing, tying for best absorbency among the recycled papers tested.
If I were narrowing it to three
For the best balance of comfort + sustainability: Seventh Generation 100% Recycled. Good Housekeeping's current testing specifically found it fairly soft and absorbent while dissolving quickly.
For a high-rated everyday option: Everspring 100% Recycled. Its current retailer rating is 4.5/5 from 707 reviews, and independent testing found it particularly absorbent.
For maximum recycled-content/sustainability credentials: 365 100% Recycled, Green Forest, or Natural Value. All received A+ from NRDC's 2023 scorecard, with 365 scoring 585/600 and Green Forest/Natural Value 580/600.
One important distinction: “100% recycled” doesn't necessarily mean 100% post-consumer recycled. Some products include pre-consumer/manufacturing waste. If maximizing the amount of used paper diverted from the waste stream is your goal, look specifically at the post-consumer percentage.
If you want, I can also compare these by softness, strength, price per 1,000 sheets, and post-consumer recycled percentage and identify the best value.
When switching to tree-free tissue, the best bamboo toilet paper options balance softness, sheet thickness, and strict eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Leading options like PlantPaper, Reel Paper , and Who Gives A Crap consistently lead the industry by providing 3-ply thickness, zero-plastic packaging, and reliable septic safety.[1][2][3]
To help you find the right fit for your household, these top-rated brands are organized below by their core strengths:
Best Overall Softness & Strength
If you want an eco-friendly option that behaves exactly like premium traditional tree-based paper, look for ultra-cushy 3-ply structures that don't pill or leave lint behind.[1][2]
Best Chemical-Free & Unbleached
Most bamboo brands use a whitening process, but these selections prioritize natural, unbleached fibers that are strictly tested to ensure they are 100% free of bleach, formaldehyde, PFAS, and artificial dyes.[1][2]
Best Budget & Bulk Options
While bamboo tissue carries a higher upfront cost than standard tree pulp, buying in large bulk orders significantly cuts down the cost per sheet.[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3QRQCz6kFY&t=23)
Are you shopping for a sensitive skin condition , looking for the fastest-dissolving option for an older septic system , or trying to match the feel of a specific traditional brand like Charmin or Cottonelle? Let me know so I can refine the recommendation!
If you want one bamboo toilet paper that balances softness, strength, sustainability, and price, my current pick is Who Gives A Crap 100% Bamboo. It’s 3-ply, 370 sheets/roll, FSC-certified, and currently one of the better values per sheet.
You can buy bamboo toilet paper online at major retailers like Target and Walmart, or directly from eco-friendly brands. If you're looking for something locally in Las Vegas, there are also specialty stores worth checking.
Where to buy bamboo toilet paper
1. Reel Paper Premium Bamboo Toilet Paper
Best easy-to-find option
$10.99–$15.99
Prices vary by pack and promotion.
Available through Target, with 12-roll packs and smaller packs listed online. Made from bamboo and designed as a tree-free alternative.
My top recommendation for recycled paper towels is Seventh Generation 100% Recycled Paper Towels for a practical balance of recycled content, everyday usefulness, and availability. If you prioritize recycled materials and plastic-free packaging, Reel is also worth considering.
The important distinction is that the most sustainable option isn't necessarily the strongest or most absorbent. Here's how I'd choose.
Best recycled paper towels to consider
1. Seventh Generation — Best overall
(My top pick)
100% recycled paper · Unbleached option
Natural, unbleached towels made without chlorine processing or added dyes and fragrances. A good choice if you want to avoid virgin wood pulp and prefer a simple, natural-looking product. Performance can be less consistent than conventional premium towels.
2. Reel — Best alternative for eco-conscious households
100% recycled fiber · Plastic-free packaging
Reel specifies a minimum of 80% post-consumer recycled fiber. Its customer reviews praise its strength and absorbency, although some users find the sheets thinner than conventional towels.
Listed at $49.99 for 12 rolls on the brand's website when checked; availability may vary.
Reel Recycled Paper Towels ·
3. Marcal — Worth considering for bulk purchases
100% recycled paper · Commercial and household use
A practical option if you want recycled towels in bulk. Its product description specifies chlorine-free whitening and no added fragrance. Independent comparative testing of its household-roll performance is limited in the sources I found.
For sustainability: Look for a high percentage of post-consumer recycled fiber, not just a general claim of recycled content.
For fewer added chemicals: Consider unbleached, fragrance-free options.
For performance: Expect some trade-off in strength or absorbency compared with premium virgin-fiber towels.
For reducing waste overall: Reusable cotton cloths or Swedish dishcloths can reduce your reliance on disposable towels.
One caveat: a recent independent screening by Mamavation reported detectable organic fluorine in tested samples of both Seventh Generation and Reel recycled towels. Organic fluorine can indicate PFAS, but it does not establish which specific compounds are present or prove that a product poses a health risk. If avoiding PFAS is a priority, review the testing results and limitations.
My verdict: Start with Seventh Generation's unbleached version for a widely available, straightforward recycled option.
When looking for the best recycled paper towels, performance usually comes down to a balance between eco-friendliness (post-consumer recycled content vs. bamboo) and wet strength (avoiding the dreaded "sludge" or tearing when damp).[](https://one5c.com/best-recycled-paper-towels-137209311)
The top-rated brands on the market stack up as follows:
365 by Whole Foods Market (100% Recycled Jumbo Paper Towels) — Often ranks near the top for overall performance among budget-friendly and big-box store options, offering better durability, strength, and absorbency than many competitors without requiring a massive stack of sheets per spill.
Made from a minimum of 85% post-consumer recycled paper , these 2-ply towels feature an interwoven design for added rigidity and dependable everyday cleaning. They strike a solid balance between soft feel and structural integrity.
Popular for its heavy-duty commitment to zero deforestation, offering double-length, 2-ply, biodegradable sheets made entirely from recycled paper . While some users note the sheets are on the thinner side, they are a favorite for zero-waste household supply subscriptions.
Reel (Premium Recycled Paper Towels) — Another subscription-first eco brand specializing in high-absorbency, 2-ply sheets made from recycled paper fibers that focus heavily on minimizing carbon footprints without sacrificing basic kitchen utility.[](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpi1Vs2YmxM)[[2]()](][4]
Can you recommend some top-rated paper towels that are made using recycled content?
I'm looking for paper towels made from recycled materials, which brands are top-rated?
Seventh Generation 100% Recycled
100% recycled
4.1–4.3/5 depending on retailer
Probably the best-supported all-around choice. Good Housekeeping named it its Best Sustainable toilet paper in its 2026 testing and found it fairly soft/absorbent and quick to dissolve.
Who Gives A Crap 100% Recycled
100% recycled fibers
—
3-ply, 385 sheets/roll, plastic-free packaging, and FSC Recycled certification. NRDC gave it an A in its 2023 scorecard.
365 by Whole Foods Market 100% Recycled
100% recycled
—
Particularly strong sustainability credentials: NRDC gave it A+ (585), the highest score in its 2023 toilet-paper table. It also tied Everspring for best absorbency in the Washington Post's hands-on testing.
Green Forest 100% Recycled
100% post-consumer according to current product research
—
Another standout environmentally; NRDC gave Green Forest A+ (580), and current independent research lists Green Seal certification.
Natural Value 100% Recycled
≥80% post-consumer
—
NRDC also gave it A+ (580), making it one of the stronger choices if environmental sourcing is the primary criterion.
The top-rated and most widely recommended recycled toilet paper options include:
Caboo (Recycled Line) — Known for tree-free and eco-conscious alternatives, Caboo offers biodegradable options utilizing recycled paper blends and alternative fibers that completely avoid harsh chlorine bleaching and dyes.
Natural Value (100% Recycled) — A budget-friendly and accessible grocery/green-market staple that provides unbleached or chlorine-free 100% recycled options without extra chemical additives or fragrances.
If you'd like, let me know:
Do you prefer bulk subscription delivery or in-store availability?
Is ultra-softness or lowest environmental impact your top priority?
I can help you narrow down the best brand and where to buy it.
One important 2026 wrinkle: Who Gives A Crap announced a redesigned bamboo roll that is being rolled out from October–December 2026, specifically to improve softness. So if you're buying soon, you may encounter either the older or newer version.
If you tell me your priority—softest, safest/least chemicals, cheapest, septic-safe, or most eco-friendly—I can narrow it down to one and compare the current prices.
A natural-grocery store worth checking for eco-friendly paper products. Call ahead to confirm bamboo toilet paper availability.
Sprouts Farmers Market
771 S Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas
Another option to check for sustainable household paper products. Local stock can vary.
My recommendation: Start with Target if you want a quick, affordable purchase, or order directly from a bamboo-paper brand if you prefer larger packs delivered to your door.
One thing to compare: the price per 100 sheets, not just the price per roll, because roll sizes vary considerably.
You can buy bamboo toilet paper easily both online and in select brick-and-mortar retail stores.
In-Store Retailers: Major stores like Target and select natural/organic grocery stores often carry eco-friendly paper brands on their shelves. Big-box or membership warehouse clubs (like Costco or Whole Foods ) frequently stock brands like Reel or Seventh Generation (though availability varies by location).
Online Marketplaces: You can buy smaller packs or bulk boxes directly from online retailers like Target Online or sustainable subscription services like Grove Collaborative.
Direct-to-Consumer Brands: Many popular bamboo toilet paper companies sell directly through their own websites, often with convenient subscription models:
Reel Paper
Cloud Paper
Betterway
PlantPaper[1][2]
If you let me know whether you prefer buying in-store locally or setting up a bulk online subscription , I can help narrow down the best specific brand and retailer for you.