After drying your hands, what should you do with the paper towels?

The correct action to take after drying your hands with paper towels is to discard them in the trash container. This practice is vital for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of germs. When you use paper towels, they can collect bacteria and other pathogens from your hands. By disposing of them properly, you minimize the risk of reintroducing those pathogens into your environment.

Keeping paper towels for later use is not advisable as they may harbor bacteria and become a contamination risk. Placing them in the sink is also inappropriate and can lead to clogs, plus it does not contribute to cleanliness. Keeping them for drying equipment does not align with infection control practices since the towels should be single-use and disposed of immediately to ensure a hygienic environment. Thus, disposing of the towels in the trash is the best choice to uphold health and safety standards.