Benefits of Electric Hand Dryers vs Paper Towels in Public Restrooms

Connor Smith

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis investigates the environmental and economic impacts of electric hand dryers versus paper towels in public restrooms, and how the public views said impacts. As hand drying is an integral part of the hand washing process, the effects each method has on land use, emissions, water and air pollution, etc. needs to be studied and the most sustainable process achieved. Incorporating evidence from previous studies and a completed public survey in university restrooms, this thesis shows that electric hand dryers are the more economically and environmentally optimal method to implement into public restrooms with lower costs and relatively less ecological effects in comparison to paper towels especially over the long term. Additionally, the survey showed the public view regarding the impacts of different drying methods varied from the evidence provided in previous studies, particularly in relation to the environmental consequences as many believe the hand dryers are more detrimental ecologically when in reality paper towels have a harsher overall effect.

Keywords

hand dryers, paper towels, public restrooms

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 2. 4. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 24. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: doc. Peter Kumble, Ph.D.
• Reader: Pavla Dagsson Waldhauserová, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Bachelor programme:
Environmental Engineering