Thanks again doctor. It must be annoying to continuously answer silly questions. I can only say that having access to a venue like this with the opportunity to ask an expert in the field like yourself directly about these concerns was extremely comforting and helpful.
All the best
Welcome to the Forum. You have already mentioned that you are trouble by OCD and I must agree that the sorts of "what if" questions you ask above certainly appear to fall into the category of OCD-type concerns. I will briefly answer them.
1. You acknowledge your understanding that surface contact with POSSIBLY contaminated towels or tissues does not manifest a risk for HIV. Let me remind you of the reasons you know, but also one you may not be aware of. HIV dies very quickly on exposure to the environment. In addition however, viruses (and bacteria) tend to "stick" to the fibers present in paper products and cloth. Thus even in the unlikely circumstance that a moist tissue or towel had HIV on it, the virus would be more likely to stay on this tissue/towel than to be transferred to another person. The sort of unlikely scenario that you describe would still be safe in terms of HIV transmission.
2. There are no data to suggest that the contact of cuts with one another in sports like BJJ place participants at risk for HIV. The theoretical risk that some might talk about is far less than the very real risk of being hit by a car while crossing the street. Similarly, while your mucous exposure probably put you at risk for a cold or the flu, it would not put you at meaningful risk for HIV.
3. NO!!!
4. There have been VERY RARE environmental exposures in which used needles in the environment transferred HIV. They are so rare as to be considered curiosities. Most such exposures do not warrant testing although, obviously, this is a case-by case situation.
Take care. EWH
Forgot to mention and just wanted to add to the first question that a lot of the tissues in the garbage were damp. Could the virus be infectious if not totally dry? I realize that it's very unlikely that there was any HIV positive blood or other liquid present but I just want to get all of the information off of my chest so that I don't feel the need to ask follow up "what ifs". Thanks again.