Dryer Sheets and Lint Trash Dryer Sheets Dryer sheets are not recyclable or compostable. Place in the trash. Dryer sheets marketed as “compostable” contain chemicals that are not allowed in Athens’ compost facility, which only accepts green waste, food scraps, and 100% fiber-based food ware. Dryer Lint Dryer lint is NOT acceptable in Athens organics container. More than 60% of textiles are made from synthetic fibers. Every time synthetic clothes are washed, microplastics are released into the water and mix in with the dryer lint. Due to the high likelihood of plastics and non-compostable inputs, never place dryer lint in the organics container. Only landscaping waste, food, and food soiled paper are allowed in the organics container. Recycle Cardboard Box Container If the container holding the dryer sheets is made of only cardboard, it can go in the recycling bin. Ways to Reduce Switch to Wool Dryer Balls Wool dryer balls are a reusable way to soften laundry, reduce static cling and help laundry dry faster. Want scented laundry? Add a few drops of an essential oil of choice to your dryer balls before tossing them in. How to Soften Clothes Without Dryer Sheets To soften your clothes without using harmful chemicals or creating waste, try the following methods: add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your wash, use wool dryer balls, avoid over-drying your clothes, and / or line dry all of your static-causing synthetic clothing (or all your clothing entirely). Did You Know? What’s in a Dryer Sheet? Dryer sheets are typically made up of plastic fibers, sometimes combined with natural fibers. These fibers are coated with fragrance, fragrance-dispersing chemicals, heat-activated softeners and other potentially harmful chemicals. The Environmental Working Group warns that these chemicals “can harm your health, damage the environment and pollute the air, both inside and outside your home.” It’s safest to avoid them whenever possible.