Facial Tissue Compost Recycle Empty Boxes Tissue boxes are cardboard, so they can be recycled with paper. Never Flush Tissues Down Drain Never flush tissues down the drain because they do not break down like toilet paper. Instead, tissues will go on to clog screens at the water treatment plant. Did You Know? Not Originally for Noses Kleenex facial tissue was invented in 1924, but it wasn’t intended to replace handkerchiefs. Instead, facial tissue was created to remove cold cream. People started using facial tissue to blow their noses on their own.