Cash-Strapped UN Axes Restroom Paper Towels at Global HQ in NYC

December 10, 2025, 5:56 PM UTC

The United Nations will no longer be providing paper towels in the restrooms at its headquarters — an estimated $100,000 a year in cost savings — in the latest statement on the funding woes at the world’s peacekeeping body.

“As part of UN Headquarters’ continuing efforts to lower operational costs and to improve the environmental sustainability of facilities operations,” paper towels will no longer be supplied in the sprawling 42-floor secretariat building, according to an e-mail from the building’s facilities team, which advises to use the one or more high-speed electric hand-dryers in each restroom.

“We need to have our ...

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