Reduce Waste, Boost Sustainability: Why Your Facility Should Switch to Reusable Commercial Cleaning Tools

Unger Enterprises Marketing | May 13, 2025

Reducing waste is no longer just a goal for environmental advocates—it’s a growing priority for businesses looking to improve efficiency, cut costs, and meet sustainability targets. In commercial cleaning, simple shifts away from disposable to reusable commercial cleaning tools can significantly reduce landfill contributions, lower supply expenses, and advance your organization’s long-term environmental goals.

The Hidden Costs of Disposable Cleaning Products

Paper Towels
Paper towels are widely used in commercial cleaning for wiping windows, counters, and bathroom surfaces—but their convenience comes at a high environmental cost. Globally, discarded paper towels generate an estimated 254 million tons of trash annually. Most of these end up in landfills where, often contaminated by chemicals, they cannot be recycled and may release methane gas as they decompose.

Single-Use Disinfectant Wipes
Disinfectant wipes are a staple in schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and more. However, most are made from non-biodegradable synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene. Once used, they contribute to a growing waste stream. The global market for disinfectant wipes is projected to grow from $5.4 billion in 2025 to over $8 billion by 2032, reflecting their widespread use.

Disposable Mop Pads
Plastic waste is a growing concern worldwide, with the U.S. generating over 40 million tons of plastic waste each year. Disposable mop pads, typically made from fossil-fuel-based synthetics, are part of this problem. These pads not only fill landfills but can also break down into harmful microplastics, which pollute ecosystems and pose risks to wildlife and human health.

Smarter Cleaning Choices That Reduce Waste

1. Switch to Reusable Microfiber Cloths
Replacing paper towels and wipes with washable microfiber cloths is a simple, effective way to reduce waste. Microfiber can be reused up to 500 times and is proven to clean more effectively than paper, especially on glass and high-touch surfaces. Fewer cloths used means fewer products purchased and less waste generated.

2. Replace Disposable Mop Pads with Reusable Alternatives
Microfiber mop pads offer a sustainable alternative to single-use pads, with many lasting through 150–200 cleaning cycles. They’re not only better for the environment but also more effective in picking up dirt, reducing the need for excess water and cleaning agents.

3. Use Refillable Systems and Concentrated Solutions
Switching to refillable cleaning tools and concentrated chemical solutions helps facilities cut down on plastic packaging and reduce shipment volume. This change lowers both environmental impact and operational costs while improving inventory control.

A Better Clean with Less Waste

Even small changes in product selection and cleaning routines can lead to major environmental and operational benefits. Facilities that prioritize reusable, high-efficiency tools not only reduce their ecological footprint—they often save money in the process.

By rethinking old habits and choosing reusable commercial cleaning tools designed for longevity, facility managers can lead the way toward more sustainable, cost-effective operations—all while maintaining a high standard of cleanliness.