Not all toilet paper is created equal. Though it may seem that whatever you flush down your toilet is no longer your business, that is not the case.
Septic-safe toilet paper is paper that breaks down more easily in your toilet so you don’t have to worry about it clogging.
To learn more about septic-safe toilet paper, and our top picks, keep reading down below!
Page Contents
Top Septic Safe Choices
| › | Editor's Top Choice | Scott Trusted |
|---|---|---|
| › | Runner Up | Freedom Living |
| › | Best Bamboo Toilet Paper | Caboo Tree Free |
| › | Best 1-Ply | Perk Pk55153 |
| › | Best 2-Ply | Amazon Basics 2-Ply |
| › | Fastest Dissolving | Firebelly Outfitters |
Septic Safe Toilet Paper Explained
The most common types of toilet paper are recycled, biodegradable, chlorine-free, and bamboo.
Brands that specifically label their toilet paper as “septic-safe” most likely use one of the three common materials.
Recycled Paper
Made from recycled material, this toilet paper helps cut down on carbon footprint. Most recycled toilet paper is fairly thin, making it easy to flush down any toilet. Some brands use a chlorine-free bleaching process which also helps eliminate chemical usage.
Chlorine-free Paper
You’ve probably seen unbleached toilet paper in public bathrooms. This cost-effective, easily flushable toilet paper is brown in color. Because it is not bleached, this toilet paper tends to be rougher to the touch; keep this in mind if you are someone with sensitive skin.
Bamboo Paper
One of the more eco-friendly types of toilet paper is made out of bamboo. Because bamboo is a fast-growing grass, bamboo toilet paper is an eco-friendly product that is become more popular. Bamboo is also able to hold more water, in proportion to its weight than its traditional counterpart.
Reviews of the Best 6 Septic Safe Toilet Paper in 2023
Our team of experts reviewed the top septic safe toilet paper that are not only biodegradable, but eco-friendly too.
“Affordable, soft, and comfortable tissue. – Amazon user Bryan N.”
- Septic Safe: Yes
- Ply: 1 Ply
- Roll Count: 32
- 100% recyclable material
- Very soft and good for sensitive skin
- Reliable name brand
- Relatively more expensive
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This toilet paper is recycled and durable. Scott’s septic-safe formula uses clog-free technology which helps break down the paper ten times faster than traditional products. This bathroom tissue is sustainably sourced, from its packaging to its actual contents. The paper’s cardboard core is made of 100% recycled fiber and its packaging is 100% recyclable at store drop-off.
Eco-friendly, cost-effective, and comfortable to the touch. Need we say more? While this bathroom tissue is only one-ply, it’s still easy on the skin – even for the more sensitive types. It’s hard not to love Scott toilet paper; but if you don’t believe us, check out some of the Amazon reviews!
“It does the job, what more can I say. Scott is always the best toilet paper, there’s so much of it per roll and it works pretty darn good. It’s cheaper at a regular store though.” – Amazon user Rachel Elizabeth
“I use to buy this Scott Toilet Paper, 32 Regular Rolls,1-Ply Rolls because used to be strong and durable. 32 rolls is a lot and it lasts at least a week per roll.” – Amazon user V.
Product Documentation
“This is wonderful toilet paper! It helps the environment and saves trees. I can use less, it sheds no fibers, is not stiff or harsh on skin, I will buy it again and discontinue the grocery store paper. – Amazon user Alison”
- Septic Safe: Yes
- Ply: 2 Ply
- Roll Count: 24
- Two-ply
- Environmentally friendly/li>
- Tree gets donated for every pound of toilet paper sold
- Relatively more expensive
Traditional toilet paper takes about 37 gallons of water per roll to produce, whereas bamboo paper takes less than one gallon. Bamboo takes about one to two years to grow whereas trees take up to 30 years.
Caboo’s toilet paper is biodegradable and septic-safe for all disposal systems, from motorhomes to residential set-ups. The toilet paper is hypoallergenic, BPA-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, lint-free, chlorine-free, and non-GMO project verified! It’s a lot to take in, but it’s all good news.
This toilet paper is two-ply, making it a bit softer in use. You’ll notice that the paper is durable and reliable. In its softness, there’s still an element of strength.
Another plus? Caboo works with the US Forest Service to plant a tree for every pound of toilet paper sold. Being eco-friendly never felt so good!
“I try to have a green home, and will try just about anything to protect our planet. A high use item like TP and paper products was a absolute issue to solve. Green based TP is where it’s at, and these are pretty high quality.” – Amazon user
Product Documentation
“Great if you have a septic tank or your plumbing is iffy. – Amazon consumer, Ann S.”
- Septic Safe: Yes
- Ply: 1 Ply
- Roll Count: 20
- Extra affordable
- Durable absorbency
- 1-ply toilet paper can be harsh on sensitive skin
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This toilet tissue is one-ply so it’s pretty thin as far as toilet paper types go. While it may not be the softest on the skin, it dissolves quickly and efficiently.
Each toilet roll has 1,000 squares of absorbency so your roll will last longer than expected. The paper is whitened without chlorine bleaching and does not have any additional dye or fragrance.
Perk is actually a brand produced by Staples.
“Very good, cheaper than the National brand. My apartment has old plumbing. Too frequently two ply clogs the toilet. This 1 ply is awesome. No clogs yet.” – Amazon consumer, Jeff W.
3. Best 2-Ply
Amazon Basics 2 Ply Toilet Paper
“It is a great value and quantity for the money, and the rolls last a long time. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a basic toilet paper that will get the job done.” – Amazon user Anthony”
- Septic Safe: Yes
- Ply: 2 Ply
- Roll Count: 30
- Extra affordable
- Great for sensitive skin
- Not the softest option on our list
This paper comes with 350 two-ply sheets per roll, over 5 times more sheets than a regular (66-sheet) roll. The paper is unscented, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
A fun fact? You can place your next Amazon Basics toilet paper order with your Alexa by just saying “Alexa, reorder Amazon Basics Toilet Paper!”
“We have this on subscription so it auto delivers to our house monthly. We love it. Strong yet super soft. Better than any name brands that you buy at the stores.” – Amazon user Heather P.
4. Fastest Dissolving
Firebelly Outfitters Toilet Paper
“One of the most important camping accessories or RV accessories to me is septic safe toilet paper.” – Amazon user”
- Septic Safe: Yes
- Ply: 2 Ply
- Roll Count: 8
- Easily dissolvable in compact bathroom set-ups
- Above average sheets per roll
- Harsher than two-ply toilet paper
This toilet paper is specifically designed for RVs, hence its fast dissolvability. The last thing you want on a cross-country road trip is a clogged toilet overflowing!
Firebelly Outfitters RV Toilet Paper is two-pl and comes with 500 sheets per roll. The toilet paper is unscented and is made from a soft, gentle material that is designed to be comfortable to use.
“This is the only tissue paper we buy for our camper. We’ve been using this brand for several months now and no issues with the black tank yet.” – Amazon user
Check out more RV toilet paper here.
Product Documentation
“The best RV tp we’ve found. It’s softer and feels thicker than others RV friendly toilet papers.” – Amazon user, True ”
- Septic Safe: Yes
- Ply: 2 Ply
- Roll Count: 4
- Ideal for difficult bathroom set-ups
- Two-ply
- Not the most comfortable for sensitive skin
Though the paper is thin, it’s still durable enough to get the job done comfortably.
What is a Septic Tank?
You’ve probably heard the phrase “septic tank” thrown around quite a bit. But what does it actually mean? Septic tanks are wastewater management systems that process sewage, aka organic matter and waste.
These tanks are typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic and hold somewhere around 2,000 gallons. They are installed underground and transfer sewage into a septic drain field that further breaks down the waste.
What Does Septic Safe Mean?
Now, what does it mean for something to be septic-safe? Products that are septic safe are ones that are biodegradable and will fully break down within the septic tank. Septic-safe products aren’t just limited to toilet paper; you’ll commonly see all-natural bathroom cleaners, such as distilled white vinegar and baking soda, be plugged as septic-safe cleaning alternatives.
Worst Types of Toilet Paper
Since we’ve already talked about the best types of toilet paper for optimal septic health, it’s important to note a few septic no-nos. Dyed paper, flushable wipes, and multiple-ply toilet paper can lead to plumbing nightmares down the road.
Dyed toilet paper tends to be made with chemicals that can severely damage the bacteria within the septic tank. While it may be pretty to have multi-colored toilet paper, the long-term harm it can cause to your toilet’s inner workings is not worth it.
Despite what the name suggests, flushable wipes are not all that flushable. These wipes tend to cause intense damage to septic tank bacteria as well and can lead to extreme clogs.
Similarly, multi-ply toilet paper – like 3 or 4-ply – is nice to feel but too much for many plumbing systems to handle. This toilet paper takes too much time to dissolve. Consistent use can lead to a backflow that will ruin your day – and your flush system.
Testing if Toilet Paper is “Septic Friendly”
If you’re not sure whether your toilet paper is septic-friendly, you can use this fool-proof method to figure it out.
- Put a few squares of toilet paper into a jar.
- Fill the jar about three-fourths of the way with water.
- Shake the jar well for about 15 seconds.
- Take a look inside the jar. If the toilet paper is still fully intact, chances are it’s not septic-safe. The ideal paper will have started to dissolve by the time you stopped shaking.
Another point of concern for toilet-paper users is paper being chlorine-bleached. Chlorine bleach is a toxic chemical that can contaminate your bloodstream and skin. To test your toilet paper for chlorine, you can purchase chlorine test strips and conduct your own little experiment. The results may surprise you!
Other Resources
Check our toilet paper resource articles below.
- Learn about toilet paper history here.
- Ever wonder how much toilet paper you consumer per year? Check here
- Know our thoughts about the differences between toilet paper and a bidet here.
Our Final Thought
To ensure your septic tank remains healthy and reliable, it’s important to take precautions that will lead to tank longevity. One easy way is by picking toilet paper that dissolves quickly and easily. Our Top 6 picks are a great place to start looking at products that work best for you.