Recycle

Can you recycle diapers?

We get a lot of questions about what can and can not be recycled. I can’t believe this Where Can I Wednsday edition is a reader question, but it is.

Those tiny humans produce a lot of waste. Can you recycle disposable diapers?

Can you recycle diapers?

The short answer is NO. 

Somehow, diapers, clean and dirty – end up in recycling bins. You CANNOT recycle diapers – esepcially dirty diapers – in single stream recycling. You’re not only contaminating the recycling stream, but you’re contaminating the recycling stream with (literal) shit. 

Disposable diapers are trash, not recycling.

A way better alternative is cloth diapers  – they’re cheaper, are more sustainable and have other advantages. Dr. Arnott shared her cloth diaper journey on Green Philly if you want the details.

Plus, you CAN compost certain types of cloth (reusable) diapers at the end of their use.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Recent Posts

Green Philly Podcast Receives $27,500 Grant from Independence Public Media Foundation

The awarded project was a part of the 2024 Community Voices Fund grant recipients, with $800,000…

2 days ago

Community investments, coastal zone protections, sustainable fashion and more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. Shapiro administration announces grant funding for hundreds of…

2 days ago

Zero Fare pilot delivered 4.3 million free rides in its first year

Zero Fare’s success highlights the importance of free public transit for underserved communities. For many…

4 days ago

Citywide cleanups, SEPTA troubles, solar procurement & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. October was exceptionally hot and dry. The average…

1 week ago

State Representative Chris Rabb wants you to start the sustainability journey where you are.

In our latest Civic Catalysts column, Rep Rabb talks nerding out about cool science, vertical…

1 week ago

Exploring Schuylkill Center’s accredited arboretum: a commitment to native trees

Discover native trees, urban ecology, and vibrant community engagement at Philadelphia’s newly acclaimed arboreal landmark.…

2 weeks ago