Combination Paper Towel Dispensers

Why Choose a Combination Unit? One Wall Mount. Two Problems Solved.

Separate dispensers and waste bins work — but combination units reduce install labor, cut cleaning time, keep waste right where it belongs, and produce a coordinated look that standalone units can't match.

One Installation, Not Two

Combination units put paper towel dispensing and waste collection in one fixture. Recessed and semi-recessed models can help save installation time on new construction and remodel projects.

Faster Servicing Cycles

Custodial staff restocks towels and empties the waste bin in one stop. In busy facilities, that's a meaningful reduction in labor per restroom per shift.

Specification-Ready

Bobrick, Bradley, and ASI combination units are standard spec in commercial construction — recognized in CSI Division 10, fully documented for architects, and available with project pricing.

Towels Land Where They Belong

With the waste bin positioned directly beneath the dispenser slot, used towels drop in immediately — less litter on the floor between service visits, and less slip-and-fall liability.

Tamper-Resistant Construction

Many models include keyed locking cabinets for controlled access — important in public and semi-public facilities. Check individual model specs to confirm locking features.

Touchless Options Available

Automatic sensor-dispensing models eliminate hand-to-surface contact entirely — the standard in healthcare, food service, and high-hygiene commercial environments.

Fully Recessed
Flush to wall — cleanest look

The unit installs into a wall cutout so only the face plate is exposed. Cleanest, most professional appearance. Typically requires 3¾"–6" of wall cavity depth.

Best for: New construction, major renovations, healthcare, hospitality. Any facility where aesthetics and vandal-resistance are priorities.

Install req: Requires in-wall depth — confirm stud spacing and cavity clearance before specifying.

Surface-Mounted
No wall cutout required

Mounts directly to the wall face — no cutting required. Fastest install, works on any wall type including tile, CMU, and masonry. Protrudes 4–9" from the wall surface.

Best for: Retrofits, tile or concrete walls, rental properties, or any install where cutting isn't feasible.

Install req: No wall cutting needed — anchor to wall studs or use appropriate masonry anchors.

Semi-Recessed
Partial recess — best of both

Partially recessed into the wall — typically requires 2–2.5" of depth. Less protrusion than surface-mount, less cutting than full recess. Good compromise for retrofit situations.

Best for: Existing buildings with some cavity depth, where full recess isn't possible but aesthetics still matter.

Install req: Requires partial wall recess — verify available depth before ordering.

Touchless / Automatic
No-contact dispensing

Sensor-activated dispensing eliminates hand-to-surface contact. Increasingly standard in commercial facilities — required in many healthcare and food service environments.

Best for: Healthcare, food service, and other high-traffic applications, though code and facility requirements vary by jurisdiction and use case.

Install req: Requires power — battery or hardwired 120V depending on model. Confirm before rough-in. Confirm power requirements before rough-in; hardwired units require electrical lead-in before wall closure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between a combination unit and buying a separate dispenser and waste receptacle?
A: A combination unit integrates both into a single chassis with one wall opening. You cut once, install once, and service one unit per stop. Separate components require two cutouts and two service points. Combination units also position the waste bin directly below the dispenser, which dramatically reduces floor litter compared to a freestanding waste bin across the room.

Q: Can I retrofit a fully recessed combination unit into an existing restroom?
A: Yes — but verify your wall cavity depth first. Standard 2×4 stud walls (with ½″ drywall on each face) provide about 3½″ of clear depth. Slim-profile models like the Bobrick TrimLineSeries require as little as 4⅛  in. If your cavity is shallower than the unit's rough-in depth, a semi-recessed or surface-mount model is the practical solution for your retrofit.

Q: What towel formats do combination units accept — and does it matter which I choose?
A: Most combination units accept C-fold or multi-fold towels; many also support center-pull or stub roll formats. Roll towel dispensers typically hold more towels per loading, reducing restocking frequency — a meaningful operational advantage in high-traffic facilities. Confirm the towel format for any model before ordering so your janitorial supply and the dispenser match.

Q: Are these units ADA compliant?
A. Many of these units can be used in an ADA-compliant restroom, but ADA compliance depends on the model and how it is installed. Key factors include mounting height, reach range, and wall projection. Always check the product specifications and installation conditions for your project.

Which Paper Towels Work With These Units?

Not all combination units accept all towel formats. Match your unit to your supply chain — or choose the unit based on the towel format that's most operationally efficient for your facility.

Sizing & Quantity Guide

How Many Units — And What Capacity?

One combination unit per sink station is the standard spec. The more important question is waste capacity — match it to your traffic volume and service frequency to avoid overflow between cleanings.

Low - Under 100 daily uses

Small office, private suite, single-sink facility. A 2-gallon waste bin refilled at each cleaning shift is adequate. Models: Bobrick B-369, B-3699, ASI 0462.

Medium - 100–400 daily uses

School, mid-size office, restaurant, gym. A 6–12 gallon waste bin and 600–800 towel capacity reduces service trips to once or twice per shift. Models: Bobrick B-3944, B-3940, ASI 0469.

High - 400+ daily uses

High-traffic facilities like airports, schools, and stadiums. Large 12–18 gallon waste bins and roll-towel dispensers are recommended to reduce maintenance labor and prevent overflow. Models: Bobrick B-39747, B-3949, Bradley 227-10.

Multi-restroom rule of thumb: One unit per sink. In restrooms with 2+ sinks, one unit per 1–2 sinks depending on traffic and service frequency. Not sure? Call 877.234.3520 with your sink count and daily traffic estimate — we'll spec the right capacity.