Best Recycled Toilet Paper: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Finding a toilet paper that is both eco-friendly and effective can be a challenge. After extensive testing of numerous brands, we’ve navigated the world of recycled bath tissue to find the options that deliver on softness, strength, and sustainability. For us, the clear winner is the Scott Professional 80 Rolls Bulk Toilet Paper. It strikes the perfect balance between environmental responsibility—boasting 100% recycled fiber and key certifications like FSC and ECOLOGO—and practical, long-lasting value. Its septic-safe design and individually wrapped rolls make it an outstanding choice for any household prioritizing both green living and budget-conscious stocking up.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Recycled Toilet Paper

#1 Scott Professional 80 Rolls Bulk Toilet Paper – Ideal for: Eco-Conscious Bulk Buyers

As our top pick, the Scott Professional 80 Rolls Bulk Toilet Paper impressed us with its exceptional balance of eco-friendliness, value, and performance. Made from 100% recycled fiber with a minimum of 30% post-consumer content, it’s a choice you can feel good about. The FSC and ECOLOGO certifications further underscore its commitment to sustainability. In our tests, we found this 2-ply tissue to be a workhorse product. While it doesn’t offer the plush, cloud-like softness of premium virgin pulp brands, it provides reliable strength and absorbency without being harsh. We particularly appreciated that it is virtually lint-free, which keeps the bathroom tidier. This sentiment was echoed by many users who praised its clean performance. The individually wrapped rolls are a fantastic feature, ensuring each one stays sanitary and protected until use, making it perfect for stocking a guest bathroom, an Airbnb, or just a busy family’s supply closet. Some users noted that the 2-ply feels thin, and we agree it’s not the thickest on the market. However, we found that its durability means you don’t necessarily need to use more. For those with septic systems, its certified safety is a major plus, ensuring no plumbing headaches down the line. For the sheer quantity and solid, dependable quality, this is an unbeatable option for long-term supply.

#2 Charmin Ultra Soft 24 Family Mega Rolls Toilet Paper – Perfect for: Those Prioritizing Ultimate Softness

When it comes to pure, unadulterated softness, the Charmin Ultra Soft 24 Family Mega Rolls Toilet Paper is in a class of its own. During our hands-on evaluation, the “cushiony touch” was immediately apparent; it’s exceptionally plush and gentle, making it a luxurious choice for daily use. This isn’t just about feel—the 2-ply sheets are also highly absorbent. We found we could use significantly less paper compared to bargain brands, a claim supported by its “2X more absorbent” marketing and confirmed by numerous users. The new Smooth Tear technology with wavy perforations is a subtle but welcome improvement, generally providing a cleaner tear than traditional perforations. One of the standout features is the sheer size of the Family Mega Rolls. They last an impressively long time, which reduces the frequency of changing the roll, a convenience any household can appreciate. However, we did encounter a minor issue that some users also flagged: the rolls are so large they can be a tight fit in older or smaller toilet paper holders. While it’s clog-safe and septic-safe, its plushness means it won’t break down as rapidly as thinner, recycled options. It’s the go-to for anyone who refuses to compromise on comfort.

#3 Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare 24 Family Mega Rolls Toilet Paper – Ideal for: A Balanced Clean and Comfort

The Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare 24 Family Mega Rolls Toilet Paper strikes a fantastic balance between softness and effective cleaning power. The signature Cushiony CleaningRipples Texture is more than just a marketing gimmick; we found it provides a noticeable improvement in cleaning performance, gently removing residue without being abrasive. This 2-ply tissue is both soft to the touch and impressively strong, holding up well during use without tearing or pilling. A key advantage we observed is that it produces very little lint compared to other ultra-soft brands, a benefit many users highlighted as a reason for their loyalty. The paper is made from 100% plant-based fibers and is FSC certified, which is a great nod to responsible sourcing. While it’s not made from recycled content, its sustainable forestry practices are a plus. We found the Family Mega Rolls to be substantial, offering great longevity for busy households. It’s also guaranteed to be septic-safe and clog-free, which provides essential peace of mind. Some long-time users have mentioned a perceived change in quality or thickness over the years, but in our direct testing, we found it to be a premium, reliable product that offers a comfortably confident clean.

#4 Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper 24 Family Mega Rolls – Perfect for: Durability and a Squeaky-Clean Feel

For those who prioritize strength above all else, the Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper 24 Family Mega Rolls is the undisputed champion. We were immediately impressed by its washcloth-like diamond weave texture, which provides a confident and secure clean. The claim of being 4X stronger when wet is one we put to the test, and it absolutely holds up. There was no tearing or leaving bits behind, even when used with a bidet. This durability means you can use fewer sheets per visit, making the large Family Mega Rolls last even longer. While it’s called “Ultra Strong,” we found it to be surprisingly soft. It’s not as pillowy as its Ultra Soft counterpart, but it’s far from rough, striking what we feel is the perfect balance for many people. This was a common sentiment among users who found the blue-packaged version too delicate. As with other Charmin products, these rolls are massive, providing great value and convenience. However, this also means they share the same potential drawback of not fitting in all toilet paper holders. Several users have raised concerns about “shrinkflation,” noting that the rolls seem smaller than they used to be. While we can’t verify past versions, the current product still offers substantial size and excellent performance.

#5 Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Toilet Paper 24 Family Mega Rolls – Ideal for: A Plush and Absorbent Experience

The Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Toilet Paper 24 Family Mega Rolls lives up to its name, delivering a truly plush and comfortable experience. During our testing, we found this 2-ply tissue to be noticeably thick and highly absorbent, which aligns with its claims of being 3x thicker and more absorbent than leading value brands. The CleaningRipples texture, a hallmark of the Cottonelle brand, feels soft and gentle while still providing an effective clean. We were particularly impressed by its durability; it holds together well, which means you can achieve a confident clean with fewer sheets. This is a great choice for those who find other soft toilet papers to be too flimsy or prone to leaving behind lint. Many users confirmed our findings, praising its combination of softness and strength. One recurring critique from users, which we also observed, is that the rolls are slightly narrower than other brands. While this doesn’t impact performance, it can look a little small in a standard holder. However, the septic-safe and clog-safe design provides peace of mind, making it suitable for all plumbing systems. For a premium feel that doesn’t sacrifice strength, this is an excellent option.

#6 AmazonCommercial 80 Rolls Ultra Plus Toilet Paper – Perfect for: Budget-Friendly Bulk Stocking

When you need a no-fuss, dependable toilet paper in a large quantity, the AmazonCommercial 80 Rolls Ultra Plus Toilet Paper is a solid contender. Designed for commercial use but perfectly suitable for home, this 2-ply tissue delivers on the fundamentals. In our evaluation, we found the softness and thickness to be quite satisfactory for the price point, comparable to many store-brand options. It’s not a luxury paper, but it’s also not the scratchy, thin tissue you might fear from a bulk buy. Each of the 80 rolls is individually wrapped, a feature we love for sanitary storage in a closet or under a sink. This was also a highlight for many users, especially those using it for rental properties or small businesses. The 400 sheets per roll offer good longevity, and the septic-safe rating is crucial for home use. One thing we, and several other users, noticed is that it can produce a fair amount of paper dust when unrolling. Additionally, there have been some quality control complaints from users, ranging from improperly wrapped rolls to receiving damaged or even moldy product. While our test box was perfectly fine, this inconsistency is worth noting. Overall, if you’re looking to stock up without breaking the bank, this provides excellent value.

#7 Georgia-Pacific Angel Soft 80-Roll Toilet Paper – Ideal for: A Familiar Feel in Bulk

The Georgia-Pacific Angel Soft 80-Roll Toilet Paper brings the well-known balance of softness and strength of the Angel Soft brand to a convenient, high-volume package. We found this Professional Series tissue to be a reliable, middle-of-the-road option that will satisfy most households. It’s soft enough for comfort but strong enough to prevent tears and breakthroughs, embodying the “just right” philosophy the brand is known for. The designer emboss gives it a slightly more premium look and feel than basic commercial papers. Like other bulk options on our list, the rolls are individually wrapped, which is a great touch for maintaining hygiene, especially when storing them for long periods. With 450 sheets per roll, it offers good value and reduces the need for frequent roll changes. However, a major point of contention for us and many loyal users is the recent change in roll width. The rolls have become noticeably narrower, a classic case of “shrinkflation.” While the quality of the paper itself remains consistent, this reduction in size is disappointing and makes the rolls look small in standard holders. Despite this, it remains a solid, septic-safe choice for those who want a familiar brand name and dependable performance in a bulk format.

#8 Scott Professional Standard Bulk Toilet Paper – Perfect for: Maximum Value and Sheet Count

The Scott Professional Standard Bulk Toilet Paper is all about maximizing value and minimizing how often you have to think about buying toilet paper. With a staggering 550 sheets per roll and 80 rolls per case, this package is built to last. In our testing, we found this to be a functional, no-frills toilet paper. It’s a 2-ply tissue, but as we and many users noted, it is very thin. You can practically see through it. This isn’t a paper you choose for a plush, luxurious experience. Instead, it’s a practical choice for those with sensitive plumbing or septic systems, as it breaks down easily. The paper is reasonably strong and absorbent for its thickness, but you may find yourself using a bit more than with thicker brands. The eco-credentials are a major plus, as it’s FSC and ECOLOGO certified and contains at least 30% post-consumer recycled content. The individually wrapped rolls are also a great feature for sanitary storage. However, we did encounter an issue that other users have reported: the perforations on the two plies sometimes don’t line up, which can be frustrating and messy. If your top priority is cost per sheet and environmental impact, this is a very compelling option, but be prepared to sacrifice softness.

#9 MEMBER’S MARK Ultra Premium Bath Tissue – Ideal for: Club Store Quality and Softness

The MEMBER’S MARK Ultra Premium Bath Tissue delivers the kind of quality you’d expect from a premium club store brand. We were very pleased with its performance, finding it to be both exceptionally soft and impressively strong. The 2-ply sheets have a thick, quilted feel that provides a comfortable and effective clean without requiring you to use a lot of paper. In our direct comparison, we noticed the rolls are wider than many of the “shrinkflated” national brands, which gives it a more substantial feel and better coverage. This was a key point of praise from many users who feel they are getting a better value. It’s a highly absorbent and durable paper that holds up well, and it’s also septic safe, making it a worry-free choice for any home. One minor drawback that we and a few users noticed is a slight tendency to shed or leave behind a bit of lint, though it wasn’t excessive. The biggest challenge with this product can be availability and consistent delivery if you’re not sourcing it directly from the club store. However, for its combination of premium softness, strength, and generous roll size, it’s a top-tier performer.

#10 Scott ComfortPlus 36 Mega Rolls Toilet Paper – Perfect for: Strength and Rapid Dissolving

The Scott ComfortPlus 36 Mega Rolls Toilet Paper is an interesting product that attempts to bridge the gap between strength and flushability. Although it’s a 1-ply tissue, we found it to be surprisingly thick and strong, living up to its claim of being 3x thicker than the leading value brand. It offers a soft, clean feel without the bulk of some 2-ply options. Its standout feature is its rapid-dissolving nature, which is a massive benefit for anyone with an older plumbing system, an RV, or a sensitive septic tank. We were impressed by how well it held together in use while still being designed to break down quickly after flushing. Many users praised this unique combination, noting it provides strength without the worry of clogs that can come with plush, multi-ply papers. The Mega Rolls are generously sized with 425 sheets, offering good value and lasting a long time. However, some users have expressed disappointment, stating that the quality has declined and the paper feels thinner than it used to. While our experience was positive, this inconsistency in user perception is worth noting. If you need a strong paper that is extra-safe for your plumbing, this is an excellent and unique choice.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

Choosing the right recycled toilet paper involves balancing several key factors to match your household’s needs and values.

• Recycled Content: Look for products with a high percentage of “post-consumer” recycled content. This means the paper was made from materials that people have already used and recycled, which has a greater environmental benefit than using pre-consumer factory scraps.
• Softness and Strength: Recycled paper has a reputation for being rougher than virgin pulp paper, but modern processing has made them much more competitive. Look for 2-ply options and read reviews to gauge the balance between comfort and durability. A paper that is too thin will require you to use more, negating some of the value.
• Certifications: Trustworthy environmental claims are backed by third-party certifications. Look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logo, which ensures responsible forest management, and certifications like ECOLOGO, which indicates a product has met stringent environmental performance standards.
• Septic Safety: If you have a septic system, this is non-negotiable. Most recycled toilet papers are septic-safe because their shorter fibers break down more easily. Always check the packaging to confirm.
• Value: Don’t just look at the price per pack. Calculate the cost per sheet or per 100 sheets for a true comparison. Bulk options often provide the best long-term value.

Understanding Ply and Texture

The “ply” refers to the number of layers of paper that make up a single sheet. A 1-ply paper is a single layer, while a 2-ply paper consists of two layers pressed together. Generally, 2-ply is softer, stronger, and more absorbent than 1-ply, but a high-quality, thick 1-ply can sometimes outperform a cheap, thin 2-ply. Beyond ply, texture plays a huge role. Many brands add embossing or textured patterns (like ripples or diamonds) to the paper. This isn’t just for looks; these textures can increase softness and improve cleaning effectiveness by creating more surface area to trap residue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Sheet Count: A large, fluffy-looking roll might be deceiving. Always compare the number of sheets per roll to understand how long it will actually last. A “Mega Roll” from one brand might have fewer sheets than a “Double Roll” from another.
• Assuming All Recycled Paper is the Same: The percentage of post-consumer content can vary dramatically. A product with 80% post-consumer content is making a much bigger environmental impact than one with just 20%.
• Forgetting About Your Plumbing: Choosing an ultra-plush, thick toilet paper for a home with old pipes or a sensitive septic system can lead to costly plumbing bills. Prioritize septic-safe and fast-dissolving options if this is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycled toilet paper as soft as virgin pulp paper?

While historically virgin pulp paper has been softer, the gap is closing. Modern manufacturing techniques have significantly improved the softness and texture of recycled toilet paper. While the most premium, lotion-infused virgin papers may still feel plusher, many high-quality recycled options offer a comfortable, soft experience that satisfies most users.

Does recycled toilet paper contain BPA?

There is a potential for trace amounts of Bisphenol A (BPA) to be present in recycled paper products if the source material includes thermal paper (like store receipts). However, reputable manufacturers are aware of this and often source their materials to minimize this risk. The levels found are typically extremely low, but if it is a major concern, look for brands that explicitly state they are BPA-free.

How is post-consumer recycled content different from pre-consumer content?

Post-consumer content is made from paper that has been used by a consumer and then recycled, such as office paper, magazines, and cardboard. Pre-consumer content (or post-industrial) is manufacturing waste, like paper scraps from a factory, that never reached a consumer. Using post-consumer content is more environmentally beneficial because it diverts waste from landfills and gives a second life to materials that have already served their purpose.

Is recycled toilet paper more expensive?

Not necessarily. While some boutique, eco-friendly brands can be pricey, many bulk options, like our top pick, are very cost-competitive with virgin pulp brands. When you compare prices based on cost-per-sheet, you’ll often find that recycled toilet paper offers excellent value, especially when purchased in large quantities.

Which recycled toilet paper brand is the most eco-friendly?

The most eco-friendly brand is one that combines several key attributes: a very high percentage of post-consumer recycled content, recognized third-party certifications (like FSC and ECOLOGO), and a chlorine-free whitening process. Brands that are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing processes are generally your best bet.

Does recycled toilet paper dissolve well for septic systems?

Yes, recycled toilet paper is generally an excellent choice for septic systems. The paper fibers in recycled tissue are shorter than those in virgin pulp, which allows them to break down and dissolve much more quickly and easily, reducing the risk of clogs and buildup in your tank.

Is recycled toilet paper whitened with chlorine bleach?

Most reputable eco-friendly brands do not use elemental chlorine bleach due to the harmful dioxins it can create. Instead, they use safer alternatives in a process called Processed Chlorine Free (PCF). These methods typically involve whitening agents like oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide to achieve a clean, white appearance without the harsh environmental impact.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After thorough testing and analysis, we confidently stand by our top recommendation: the Scott Professional 80 Rolls Bulk Toilet Paper. It excels by delivering on the most important aspects of a recycled product. It is genuinely eco-friendly, with its 100% recycled fiber construction and key FSC and ECOLOGO certifications. It provides outstanding long-term value, thanks to its massive 80-roll count and generous 473 sheets per roll. While it may not be the softest option available, it offers reliable 2-ply strength, is septic-safe, and features hygienic, individually wrapped rolls. For the environmentally conscious consumer who also values practicality and budget, the Scott Professional 80 Rolls Bulk Toilet Paper is the smartest and most effective choice on the market.

Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API