What Do Hotels Do With Old Linen?1

One of the most common questions that people have when staying at hotels is what happens to the old linen that is no longer in use. Hotel linen, such as sheets, towels, and bedding, goes through a lot of wear and tear due to frequent use by guests. As a result, hotels must come up with a sustainable plan for dealing with their old linen to reduce waste and be environmentally conscious.

Repurpose for Other Uses

One common practice among hotels is to repurpose old linen for other uses. Instead of discarding old sheets and towels, hotels can find alternative ways to use them within the hotel or donate them to local organizations in need. Old linen can be cut up and used as cleaning rags, or even be turned into items like napkins or aprons for restaurant staff. By finding creative ways to repurpose old linen, hotels can extend the lifespan of the materials and reduce their environmental impact.

Donate to Charities

Many hotels choose to donate their old linen to charities and organizations in need. Homeless shelters, animal shelters, and disaster relief agencies are just a few examples of places that can benefit from donations of old hotel linen. By donating their old linen, hotels can not only help those in need but also reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. It's a win-win situation that allows hotels to give back to their communities while also being environmentally responsible.

Recycle the Materials

In some cases, hotels may choose to recycle their old linen instead of trying to repurpose or donate it. Recycling old linen involves breaking down the materials to create new products or materials. For example, old sheets and towels can be broken down and turned into insulation or even new fabric. By recycling their old linen, hotels can help reduce the demand for new materials and minimize their environmental footprint.

Compost the Linen

Another sustainable option for dealing with old hotel linen is to compost it. Linen, such as cotton bedding or towels, is biodegradable and can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil. Some hotels have started composting programs to turn their organic waste, including old linen, into compost for their gardens or landscaping. Composting old linen is an eco-friendly way to dispose of the materials and return nutrients back to the earth.

Offer to Guests

Hotels can also choose to offer their old linen to guests as souvenirs or for purchase. Some guests may be interested in taking home a piece of the hotel experience, such as a set of hotel-quality sheets or towels. By offering old linen to guests, hotels can generate extra revenue and give guests a unique keepsake to remember their stay. This option is environmentally friendly as it allows the materials to be reused rather than discarded.

In conclusion, hotels have a variety of sustainable options for dealing with their old linen. Whether they choose to repurpose, donate, recycle, compost, or offer the materials to guests, hotels can make a positive impact on the environment and their communities. By being proactive and creative in their approach to old linen, hotels can reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a more sustainable future.