Cotton Swabs Trash Athens does not accept bathroom waste or items used with chemicals (such as makeup or nail polish remover) in their organics containers. Eco-Friendly Options: Search the internet for reusable swabs. Choose paper or wood sticks over plastic. No Chemicals in the Compost Do not compost cotton swabs used with chemicals such as nail polish remover. Did You Know? Cotton Swabs Are Not Designed to Go in Ears Although it is their most common use, cotton swabs damage ears if inserted for cleaning earwax. Every package of cotton swabs contains a disclaimer warning against this use. Removing earwax can lead to infection and hearing problems. Learn more from the Washington Post.