• print page
• email this page
• ask a question

The Environmental Impact of Disposable Nappies

It is estimated that in the UK 84% of nappy changes involve disposables.

The Environment

• Disposable nappies make up 4% of household waste and up to 50% of the waste of a family with a baby.
• The share of waste costs in the UK arising from the disposal of nappies is approximately £40 million.
• Nappies are found as litter at road sites, in car parks, public toilets and residential areas and are the second most common clinical waste litter problem after syringes.
• In the United Kingdom, no system for the recycling of disposable nappies is currently in use. It is unlikely that the recovery of the components or the super absorbent chemicals would be financially viable.

However it is worth considering that using re-usable nappies saves money as well as reducing the amount of material that goes to landfill!

Comfort & Health

• Many mothers feel that cloth is more comfortable for their babies.
• There is no evidence to show the Nappy Rash is more common amongst babies using re-usable nappies.
• A baby may excrete live polio vaccine for several weeks. The virus can survive in landfill sites and could contaminate groundwater.