Dryer Sheets and Lint Garbage Bin Do Not Recycle or Compost Dryer sheets and dryer lint are not recyclable and should be placed in the garbage. Due to plastic content from synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, and elastane, dryer lint cannot break down in compost. Recycle Cardboard Box Container If the container holding the dryer sheets is made of only cardboard, it can go in the recycling bin. Ways to Reduce Switch to Wool Dryer Balls Wool dryer balls are a reusable way to soften laundry, reduce static cling and help laundry dry faster. Want scented laundry? Add a few drops of an essential oil of choice to your dryer balls before tossing them in. How to Soften Clothes Without Dryer Sheets To soften your clothes without using harmful chemicals or creating waste, try the following methods: add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of your wash, use wool dryer balls, avoid over-drying your clothes, and / or line dry all of your static-causing synthetic clothing (or all your clothing entirely). Did You Know? What’s in a Dryer Sheet? Dryer sheets are typically made up of plastic fibers, sometimes combined with natural fibers. These fibers are coated with fragrance, fragrance-dispersing chemicals, heat-activated softeners and other potentially harmful chemicals. The Environmental Working Group warns that these chemicals “can harm your health, damage the environment and pollute the air, both inside and outside your home.” It’s safest to avoid them whenever possible.