Toilet paper for septic systems

If you’ve got a questions about toilet paper, we’ve got answers. Today we’re digging into a topic that might not occur to 96% of the UK population, but is critical to the other 4%.

What is the best toilet paper for septic systems and septic tanks? 

If you’ve just shrugged you’re probably one of the majority on mains plumbing. But at Naked Paper we have more than one member of the team with a septic system, and we often get questions from customers who need to double check if our toilet paper will work in their own septic tanks at home. 

Let’s start with the system itself. What’s a septic tank?

What are septic systems? 

If your home is very old or far out in the countryside you might not be connected to the sewerage system. So what does the toilet flush into? For most houses, the answer is a septic tank, also called a septic system.

A septic system means that the waste from your toilet is dealt with independently, on your own property, without going into a shared sewer. Septic systems take the form of an underground tank made from concrete, fiberglass, or polyethene that collects wastewater from household plumbing. Here’s how they work:

Collection: Wastewater from baths, showers sinks, and toilets flows into a large underground tank.

Separation: Inside the tank, solids settle at the bottom (forming sludge), and oils and grease float to the top (forming scum).

Treatment: The middle layer of liquid (effluent) flows out into a drainage field or soakaway system, where soil filters and treats it further.

Decomposition: Over time, the bacteria inside the tank break down solid waste into less harmful substances. These substances are removed when the tank is pumped, which should be done regularly, depending on the size of your household. 

Septic systems have been in use since the late 1800s so at this point they’re a tried and tested solution to household waste, but they require a bit of thoughtful care. 

What toilet paper is best for septic tanks? 

Two things that can go wrong with septic tanks are blockages and system failure caused by an imbalance in the biological environment. 

Both of these factors mean that you need to be thoughtful about your toilet paper, and so we come back to the question that we often receive. 

Does Naked Paper bamboo toilet paper, and Naked Paper recycled toilet paper, work for septic tanks? 

The answer to both is yes! Here’s a few reasons why our soft, bleach-free toilet paper is a great shout for any septic system.

Which toilet paper breaks down the fastest? 

The best toilet paper for septic systems is one that breaks down quickly and completely. 

Septic tanks rely on bacteria to break down waste, and those little microbes can only munch so fast. If your toilet is quilted and thick, or takes too long to disintegrate, it can accumulate in the tank, contributing to blockages over time, or even system failure.

You’ll have no such trouble with Naked Paper bamboo toilet paper and recycled toilet paper. Every batch of bathroom tissue paper we make is tested for wet strength and disintegration, making sure that it breaks down at a steady rate that meets standard norms for toilet roll manufacturers.

If your system is particularly sensitive or clog-prone we’ve found that our most rapidly dissolvable toilet paper is our recycled option. We think this is because it’s already had one “round” of processing in its previous life as cardboard boxes.

Can you flush toilet paper if you have a septic tank?

You can flush toilet paper if you have a septic tank - but some sheets are going to be better for the general health of the tank better than others.

A lot of standard toilet paper contains harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, bleach, and softening agents that can disrupt the delicate bacterial balance inside the tank.

Luckily, we don’t use any harsh chemicals to make Naked Paper. 

Our soft toilet roll is made from bamboo or recycled cardboard and all of the ingredients we add to clean and pulp our raw materials meet REACH regulations - meaning that they are essentially neutral in their environmental impact. 

Or eco toilet roll is also completely free of bleach and dyes, making them kind to your wallet, the environment, and those helpful bacteria in your septic tank.

If you're interested to read more about our ingredients, we've got a full run down here. 

We’re confident you’ll find Naked Paper is the perfect fit, but if for any reason you don’t, we’ve got you covered. Just drop us an email, and we’ll give you a full refund.

Conclusion: Septic-tank safe toilet paper

Taking care of your septic system doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t mean giving up on comfort. Whether you prefer our slightly softer bamboo toilet paper or you’re ready to embrace the rapid disintegration of our recycled tissue, you’re making a choice that’s kind to your plumbing, your pocket, and the planet as well!.

Ready to feed those friendly bacteria with toilet paper that’s safe for septic tanks?