Hand Dryer vs Paper Towel Decision Tool

Adjust the sliders to match your restroom — see which option fits your facility

Restroom Usage

Daily restroom visits 200

Total hand-drying events per day across all users

Operating days per year 260

260 = typical M-F office; 365 = 24/7 facility

Peak load (visits/hour at busiest) 40

Higher peaks favor paper (no waiting in line)

Facility Profile

Facility type

Sustainability priority

Noise sensitivity

Maintenance staff availability

Cost Variables

Paper towel cost (per case) $42

Typical multifold case ~4,000 sheets

Sheets used per dry 2.5

Industry average is 2-3 sheets per use

Electricity rate (¢/kWh) 12

US avg ~12¢, CA/NY ~25¢, HI ~35¢

Hand dryer upfront cost (each) $650

Basic ~$300, XLERATOR ~$650, Dyson Airblade ~$1,400

Number of hand dryers needed 2

Rule of thumb: 1 dryer per 50-75 visits/hr at peak

Labor cost (restocking, $/hour) $25

Includes janitorial restock + waste removal

Hand Dryer Profile

Dryer type

Years to amortize 10

High-speed dryers typically last 7-10+ years

Paper waste disposal cost ($/lb) $0.25

Includes hauling, tipping fees, bag liners

ADA compliance importance High

Affects mounting heights, accessibility

Recommendation

Hand Dryers

High confidence

Hand Dryers

Paper Towels

Why this recommendation

10-Year Cost Comparison

Paper Towel System

Paper towel supply$0

Dispenser hardware$0

Labor (restocking)$0

Waste disposal$0

Total over period$0

Hand Dryer System

Dryer units (upfront)$0

Installation (~$200/unit)$0

Electricity$0

Maintenance/repair$0

Total over period$0