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

Can I Donate This? A Philly Guide to Community Fridges and Food Distros

The rules volunteers follow to keep shared food accessible and safe to feed neighbors. On…

2 days ago

Utility rate opposition, “Alleygators,” EV chargers, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Governor “vocally and forcefully” opposes utility rate increases.…

7 days ago

Phila. developer seeks to build data center campus in Upper Merion Township

A Philadelphia developer is proposing to build a cluster of data centers in Upper Merion Township, adding…

1 week ago

Rideshare tax, failing air quality, native plant kits, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Bill to amend city code to curb illegal…

2 weeks ago

From ‘Go Birds’ to LEED Platinum: Inside the Eagles’ sustainability playbook

A behind-the-scenes look at the Linc’s solar power, recycling systems, and surprising sustainability wins “Go…

2 weeks ago

New plant discovered in NJ, 56 years of Earth Day & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news. Researchers at Temple University have found a rare…

3 weeks ago