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The initial investment is often a concern of prospective buyers. However, today’s hand dryers are more compact and affordable.

“With the recent cost of paper going up considerably and the fact people often use more paper than they need, facility managers should look at their paper invoices. In many cases, the payback for hand dryers is only eight or nine months,” says David Ruiz, chief executive officer for Saniflow Corp.

Gagnon agrees that even though the initial investment might seem high, the operational savings by facilities will be immediate. He estimates that the payback for hand dryers, including installation costs, to be within the first year of their use. Over the life cycle of a hand dryer, the cost savings over using paper towels is up to 95 percent.

The operational savings come from reduced labor costs due to the fact that paper dispensers need to be filled. In addition, paper towels often end up on the floor unless the trash can is conveniently located. This creates unnecessary maintenance expenses and a dirty looking restroom for customers.

Hand dryers also prevent restroom vandalism associated with paper towels, especially in schools. No longer are toilets or sinks clogged with paper towels if hand dryers are used.

“Our units have special tamper-resistant screws to deter vandals,” says Robert. “The internal parts are hidden or shielded. More and more automatic units now have an override feature where they shut off if something is blocking the unit’s opening.”

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

While paper towels can be made from recycled materials, they are not yet recyclable. For many facilities, environmental considerations are no longer a choice.