Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Actually Better?

by Dev MG September 15, 2025

You’ve seen the claims: Bamboo toilet paper is better for the planet, better for your plumbing, better for your body.

But what does “better” actually mean, and does it hold up beyond buzzwords?

More people are swapping traditional toilet paper for tree-free alternatives. Eco-friendly alts should be a $2.5 billion industry by 2033. As you think about changing, it’s fair to ask what you’re getting (and giving up) with bamboo.

Is bamboo TP softer? More sustainable? Safer to flush? And why does it cost more?

We’ll analyze what bamboo toilet paper does differently. Let’s dig deep, from head-on comparisons to real-world performance.

Whether you’re curious about the hype or genuinely prepped to make the switch, we’ve got answers. Let’s help you decide if bamboo TP is the right roll for your routine.

What Experts Say About Bamboo Toilet Paper

You don’t have to take a brand’s word for it. Professionals across plumbing, dermatology, gynecology and environmental science weigh in on bamboo toilet paper. Here's what they recommend and why.

What Toilet Paper Do Plumbers Recommend?

Plumbers recommend toilet paper that dissolves quickly and causes fewer clogs. Bamboo toilet paper checks both boxes: It’s fast-disintegrating and minimally treated, which means fewer down-the-line headaches.

Plumbing pros agree. As one U.S. plumber explains on Reddit, “I think it’s [bamboo TP] great. It does exactly what you need it to do, disintegrate in water. It breaks down faster than wood or recycled paper. Great for septic.”

Jetset Plumbing, a licensed company in Australia, says: “Bamboo toilet paper is not a threat to plumbing systems. In fact, it’s probably the best option for both the environment and sewage systems.”

Key takeaway. Bamboo TP’s fast biodegradability makes it a plumber-approved choice, especially in homes with older pipes or septic tanks.

What Toilet Paper Do Dermatologists Recommend?

Dermatologists generally advise avoiding toilet paper with fragrances, bleach or lotion additives. All these can cause contact dermatitis or worsen conditions like eczema.

Dermatology sources don’t usually mention bamboo TP by name, but its characteristics align with expert advice:

Fragrance-free and chlorine-free
Hypoallergenic
Marginal processing

Healthline-contributing dermatologists suggest avoiding skincare products with harsh chemicals, dyes and artificial scents. That guidance applies to hygiene products like TP as well.

Key takeaway. Dermatologists recommend unscented, gentle materials for sensitive skin. Bamboo TP’s hypoallergenic qualities, chemical-free composition and simple processing meet those standards.

What Toilet Paper Do Gynecologists Recommend?

Gynecologists stress avoiding irritation and maintaining pH balance in intimate areas. Toilet paper with artificial scents, dyes or chlorine bleach can disrupt the delicate microbiome or cause itching and discomfort.

Studies have also detected PFAS ("forever chemicals" linked to health risks) in conventional toilet paper. Bamboo toilet paper is typically PFAS-free, especially products from certified brands.

Per the University of Kansas Health System, white, fragrance-free personal care products are best for gynecological health. Although the organization doesn’t name-drop bamboo TP, its chemical-free and fragrance-free properties make the grade.

Key takeaway. Is bamboo toilet paper safe for feminine hygiene? Yes. When it’s unscented and chlorine-free, it supports gynecologists' advice to avoid unnatural or scented products.

What Do Environmental Scientists Say About Bamboo TP?

Environmental experts applaud bamboo as one of the most sustainable materials on the planet. Why?

It grows fast. Bamboo regrows from the same root system, reaching maturity in just 3 to 5 years. Compare that to 40 years or more for many softwood trees.
It needs little input. Bamboo needs far less water, pesticide treatment and fertilizer than timber.
It absorbs a lot of carbon. Bamboo plants absorb around 1.78 tons of CO2 per clump (cluster) each year — around 10 times more than trees.

Key takeaway. Is bamboo toilet paper actually better for the environment? Yes, and scientists concur. Bamboo TP offers a carbon-efficient, low-impact alternative to tree-based products.

Bamboo vs. Other Toilet Paper Types

Not all toilet paper is created equal. Let’s break down how bamboo compares to tree-based TP, recycled TP, bagasse TP and even bidets.

Bamboo vs. Tree-Based Toilet Paper

Conventional toilet paper comes from softwood trees like spruce, fir and pine, which take decades to mature. Once cut, they don’t regrow. This contributes directly to deforestation, especially in boreal and old-growth forests.

Bamboo is a grass, maturing in just a few years and regrowing without replanting. We can harvest it without uprooting the plant, making it a fast-renewing, low-impact alternative to tree logging.

Tree-based TP also requires more rigorous processing. Bleaches, dyes and fragrances exist in an array of mainstream brands. By and large, bamboo TP manufacturers process the product without harsh chemicals, producing unbleached and chlorine-free options.

Bamboo is also better at retaining soil health and biodiversity. Because it grows in thick clumps and doesn’t need replanting, it slows erosion and supports healthy ecosystems.

Bottom line. Bamboo toilet paper is a softer, more sustainable alternative to tree-based TP — one that reduces deforestation and limits chemical exposure.

Bamboo vs. Recycled Toilet Paper

Recycled toilet paper has been a comparatively eco-friendly option for quite a while. It reduces landfill waste and uses less virgin tree fiber.

But that’s not the case with every recycled TP brand. It’s not always safer or softer.

Two types of recycled TP content are available:

Post-consumer waste (PCW). This means products made from things people have actually used, like office paper.
Pre-consumer waste. These products come from manufacturing scraps and trimmings that people have never used.

The majority of recycled TP brands rely on the latter. That doesn’t reduce landfill or deforestation as much as you might expect. Some also use chemical de-inking or contain BPA from thermal paper, adding up to less healthy TP.

Bamboo toilet paper is generally free of all these issues. It’s noticeably softer than recycled products; they can feel rougher due to short, mixed fibers.

As for price, bamboo TP usually costs more than recycled TP. The difference comes down to processing, scale and shipping: Businesses often import and craft bamboo in small batches.

Bottom line. Bamboo toilet paper wins on comfort, purity and fast renewability. Recycled TP holds its own on affordability and reuse, but bamboo sparks greater long-term change.

[Related: A Deep Dive Into Our Impact]

Bamboo vs. Bagasse (Sugarcane) Toilet Paper

Bagasse toilet paper comes from sugarcane waste, the fibrous byproduct that remains after juice extraction. Like bamboo, it’s tree-free and renewable.

But if it’s a surprise item on this list, that’s, well, unsurprising. It’s way less common in the U.S., and product quality can waffle.

Bagasse toilet paper is usually coarser than bamboo toilet paper and harder to find in stores or online. It's still a solid option if it’s sustainably sourced, especially in regions with abundant sugarcane waste (like Brazil and India).

However, bamboo is now a widespread crop for paper and textiles. It’s more readily available and certifiable (Forest Stewardship Council, USDA BioPreferred, etc.).

Bottom line. Sugarcane bagasse toilet paper is a strong runner-up. Bamboo remains the softer, more accessible and more user-friendly option in the U.S.

Bamboo vs. Bidets

It’s a happy fact: Bamboo toilet paper and bidets aren’t rivals. They work great together.

Bidets seriously reduce how much toilet paper you use by replacing the wiping step with water. But most users still want a little TP for drying (a fair choice). That’s where bamboo toilet paper comes in: It breaks down easily and complements bidets without adding pressure to septic systems.

For eco-conscious folks, a bidet with bamboo TP means having the best of both worlds: less waste, gentler materials. Bidet use is only recently becoming popular in America, so it’s a smart time to rethink your toilet paper, too.

Bottom line. You don’t have to choose between the two! Bamboo TP and bidets make a clean, cost-effective team.

Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Worth the Price?

When it comes to toilet paper, price can be deceiving. Bamboo toilet paper often costs more at checkout, but is it actually more expensive in the long run?

Let’s break down the cost behind the roll.

Why Is Bamboo Toilet Paper More Expensive?

Bamboo toilet paper costs more to produce than conventional TP for several reasons:

Raw materials. We grow bamboo in specific regions, mainly in Asia, then harvest, process and ship it. It grows fast, but it needs careful, chemical-light harvesting.
Sustainable sourcing. Ethical, FSC-certified bamboo production comes at a premium, especially compared to commercial tree logging.
Smaller production scale. Most bamboo paper brands are smaller and eco-focused (Hi!). We lack the mass manufacturing scale that conventional paper giants have.
Plastic-free packaging. Many bamboo TP brands use paper wrapping or recyclable materials. That’s pricier than shrink-wrapped plastics with phthalates or other additives.

For “quality” toilet paper, you spend an average of 0.25 cents per sheet in the U.S. (Yes, you read that right.) That per-sheet price and the resulting price per roll fluctuate wildly according to material, size, ply, packaging, bells and whistles.

Key takeaway. Bamboo toilet paper takes more money to make, while any type of toilet paper is getting more expensive. Its cost reflects greener sourcing, eco-friendly packaging and higher health standards.

How Long Does Bamboo Toilet Paper Last?

Value isn’t just about up-front cost — it’s also about how long your TP lasts:

Sheet count. Bamboo rolls often have more sheets per unit. Some brands offer 360-plus sheets, compared to the standard 150 to 350 for conventional TP. Of course, some big-box-store TP brands have up to 1,000 wafer-thin one-ply sheets.
Thickness issues. Bamboo TP is usually two-ply, meaning you use fewer sheets per wipe.
Standard use. The average American uses 141 rolls of toilet paper per year, depending on household size, ply and bathroom habits.

Let’s say you pay $1.10 per bamboo roll with 360 sheets and $0.80 for a tree-based roll with 220 thick sheets. That’s $0.003 per sheet for bamboo vs. $0.0036 per sheet for tree-based. Ultimately, bamboo toilet paper can cost less per use and lower the need for repeat restocking.

Key takeaway. Does bamboo toilet paper last longer? It leans that way, but it’s impossible to quantify for certain. It hinges on people, and we’re amazingly diverse in how we do things.

Is Cheap Toilet Paper Really Cheaper?

Low-cost toilet paper may save money at the register, but it can lead to hidden costs:

Overuse. Thin, single-ply TP means more sheets per trip to get truly clean. That also means more trips to the store for new rolls.
Plumbing problems. Cheaper brands can contain synthetic binders or resist breaking down, increasing the chances of pesky (and pricey) clogs.
Irrigation risk. Low-end TP may include dyes, fragrances and/or bleaches that irritate your skin … down there.

Remember: You pay anywhere from $600 to $3,000 for a pro septic tank fix. Ouch.

Key takeaway. What’s thrifty at the store can cost you a lot more in waste, discomfort or plain-old plumbing labor over time.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bamboo Toilet Paper?

Bamboo toilet paper has its upsides and downsides, like any daily household product. Here’s what to weigh when deciding whether to make the change.

Pros of Bamboo TP

The pros of bamboo toilet paper are many and varied. Here are some of your main perks:

It’s made from a renewable resource. Bamboo is a swift-growing grass, not a tree. Some species can grow up to 3 feet per day and regrow after harvesting without replanting.
It’s naturally septic-safe and fast-dissolving. Bamboo fibers break down quickly in water, making bamboo TP a reliable option for septic systems and aging pipes.
It’s gentle on sensitive skin. Most bamboo toilet paper is free from chlorine bleach, added dyes, fragrances and formaldehyde. Those substances can be in tree-based TP.
It has a low environmental footprint. Bamboo needs less land, water and pesticides than softwood tree processing. It also absorbs more carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen per acre than most tree species.
It’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal. The bioagent “bamboo kun” is part of bamboo TP. It helps inhibit bacterial growth: a big bonus for bathroom products.

Bamboo TP use isn’t just a trend. It checks boxes for sustainability, skin-friendliness and plumbing peace of mind.

Cons of Bamboo TP

Any good thing has cons. Here’s what to expect from bamboo toilet paper:

It costs more per roll (usually). Because bamboo TP is rarely mass-produced and usually in eco-friendly packaging, prices are higher. Per-sheet costs can tell a different story.
It may not feel as soft as plush tree-based TP. Some bamboo TP brands are softer than others. If you’re used to ultra-cushy traditional toilet paper, it may take a minute to adjust to a different texture.
It doesn’t always do what it says on the box (greenwashing). Some companies use stringent processing or ship bamboo from far-off sources with high carbon footprints. Check your bamboo brand for third-party certifications, like FSC or USDA Biobased.

If you’re unsure whether bamboo TP is right for you, take your time! Browse businesses online, test a few different bamboo rolls and compare the experience. Understandably, it’s not always easy to balance budget, comfort and sustainability.

Bottom line. Bamboo toilet paper offers real environmental, personal and plumbing benefits. Still, it’s worth reading the label and testing the texture before fully switching over.

How Does Bamboo Toilet Paper Perform in Real Life?

We can sing the praises of bamboo toilet paper all day, but that doesn’t matter unless you’ve tried it IRL. We’re a bamboo paper business, after all.

How does it hold up in your bathroom? Here’s what to expect from the roll you reach for.

Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Septic-Safe?

Yes — and not just in theory. Plumbers widely consider bamboo TP one of the best choices for homes with septic systems, composting toilets or old-fashioned plumbing.

Bamboo fibers degrade quickly and don’t contain synthetic binders or additives. As a result, they’re less likely to cause clogs or strain your septic tank.

Softer isn’t always better, and that’s according to the pros. It’s the biodegradability and breakdown time that count.

Use just enough paper to get clean and fresh. Like any other toilet paper, trying to flush too much can still bottleneck your pipes.

Real-life tip. Do you live in a rural area, RV, cabin or anywhere off-grid? Bamboo TP is a smart choice for less strain on your system because it dissolves so quickly.

How Long Does a Roll of Bamboo Toilet Paper Last?

The answer depends on two main factors: how many sheets are on the roll and how much TP you use. Let’s dive in.

1. Sheet Count and Roll Size

Bamboo toilet paper rolls tend to have more sheets per roll, packed into a denser, tighter core:

Standard TP rolls average 150-350 sheets.
Bamboo rolls usually offer 300-400 sheets.

Bamboo toilet paper typically fits more tightly wound sheets onto each roll and is two-ply. That means more usable sheets per roll without excess bulk.

Note. These sheet counts are estimates, and numbers can differ dramatically among brands.

2. Average Use Per Person

Here’s how toilet paper use shakes out in real life:

The average person uses the bathroom six to seven times a day.
Each trip takes about seven to eight sheets (varies per personal habits and ply).

That adds up to about 50 sheets daily, around 20% of a standard 240-sheet roll.

Most people use about two rolls weekly, depending on a surprising array of factors:

Sex. Women generally use more TP (for no. 1 and no. 2).
Age. Children use more than adults; they haven’t quite perfected their technique.
Lifestyle. Homebodies, travelers, gym rats and remote workers all have different usage patterns.

Who knew how long your TP roll lasts could come down to whether you work from home?

Note. The sheets-per-trip average comes from a major tree-based TP brand alongside community consensus on internet forums.

How many rolls of TP does a person use a week? About two. How many rolls of TP does a person use a month? Around eight.

3. Monthly and Family Usage

Multiply that pattern across a household:

One person uses about eight rolls a month.
A family of four uses around 32 rolls a month.
That roll number rises for households with young kids, guests or people who menstruate.

Real-life tip. Keep a 1-month buffer on hand, like 32 extra rolls. Keep it in storage for when the unexpected strikes.

4. Does Bamboo Toilet Paper Last Longer Than Traditional TP?

Yes, in many cases. Here's why bamboo TP may last longer:

More sheets per roll
Stronger ply reduces “re-pulls”
Less overuse due to absorbency
Fewer wasted wads

So your conventional tree-based, overprocessed rolls can hit the bricks.

5. Is Bamboo TP More Expensive Week to Week?

When comparing TP costs, cost-per-sheet or cost-per-week tells you more than price-per-roll.

Factor in how often you change rolls, how much you waste with cheaper TP and subscription or bulk-buying savings. The weekly cost gap starts to close.

Here’s how the math plays out for an average adult using two rolls per week.

Type	Sheets/Roll	Cost/Roll	Weekly Cost	Monthly Cost
Traditional	240	$1	$2	$8
Bamboo	360	$1.80	$3.60	$14.40

And here’s the caveat.

If your bamboo TP lasts longer and you use fewer sheets per trip, the higher up-front price levels out. You may actually spend about the same (or less) over time, particularly if you’re saving on plumbing problems or waste.

Real-life tip. Nathan Yau’s toilet paper calculator helps you pinpoint your family’s TP needs. It’s a product of the pandemic’s 2020 toilet paper run, when even the sanest of us began to stockpile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to key questions about bamboo toilet paper.

Is bamboo toilet paper compostable?

Yes, most bamboo toilet paper is compostable if it’s unbleached and additive-free. You can compost used bamboo TP that hasn’t come into contact with human waste (like for nose-blowing or makeup removal). Check local composting rules before tossing.

Is bamboo toilet paper safe to flush?

Yes. Bamboo toilet paper breaks down fast in water and is typically safe for plumbing systems, including septic and low-flow toilets. It dissolves more easily than many multi-ply traditional brands, reducing clogs and buildup.

Is bamboo toilet paper bleached?

Some bamboo TP manufacturers whiten products using elemental chlorine-free (ECF) or totally chlorine-free (TCF) processes. Others skip bleaching entirely. Look for “chlorine-free” or “unbleached” on packaging to choose the safest, most eco-conscious option.

Is bamboo toilet paper good for sensitive skin?

Yes. Bamboo toilet paper is usually hypoallergenic and free of fragrances, dyes and harsh chemicals. It’s a good option for people with allergies, eczema or sensitive skin. Its composition aligns with what dermatologists recommend for everyday use.

What certifications should I look for in bamboo TP?

Look for certifications like FSC, USDA Certified Biobased or OEKO-TEX. Third-party labels help confirm ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and low chemical use.

Is bamboo toilet paper better for the environment?

Yes. Bamboo grows faster than trees, requires less water and regenerates without replanting. When sustainably harvested and minimally processed, bamboo TP has a low carbon footprint and avoids deforestation tied to traditional paper.

What toilet paper is best for the environment?

Options like bamboo or recycled TP are better than tree-based products. Choose unscented, plastic-free rolls from brands with transparent sourcing and verified certifications for the most eco-conscious pick.

Should You Switch to Bamboo Toilet Paper?

Maybe you’re eco-curious, dealing with delicate skin or simply sick of wrestling with your septic system. Bamboo toilet paper offers definite advantages:

It’s made of a renewable resource. You help the planet.
It’s free of fragrances, chlorine and rough chemicals. No irritants mean fewer worries.
It breaks down easily in septic and low-flow systems. You dodge the dreaded rising water.

Granted, bamboo toilet paper isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. If you’re loyal to super-plush texture or super-strict budgets, the decision might take more time.

Ask yourself a few questions, and the choice gets easier:

Do you live in a rural or septic-dependent area?
Do you or a family member have sensitive skin or allergies?
Are you looking to reduce your plastic or paper waste impact?

If you answered yes to any of the above, bamboo TP belongs on your shopping list.

Meet Bamboo Bliss at Save Trees

At Save Trees (formerly Cloud Paper), we’re bamboo TP aficionados and perfectionists. We bring you only the finest, purest bamboo toilet paper, bamboo paper towels, tissues and more.

We’re FSC-certified, passionate about environmental health and committed to your wellness in the essentials. We want to help communities whenever we can.

And we can confidently tell you that bamboo toilet paper is actually better: for you, your family and the planet. Let’s upgrade your daily routine.

Check out our shop for premium bamboo toilet paper. Save with bulk, bundle and subscription orders. Questions, comments or feedback? Contact us!

We’ve got you covered if you’re a retailer or business.