Having a baby is the same as having mountains of dirty diapers. While throwing out used diapers isn't a fun part of your day, it doesn't mean it has to be a day-to-day spoiler. By throwing them in the trash at home, getting rid of them on the go, or composting them locally, you can deal with this disposable diaper problem in the most comfortable and safe way possible.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Disposing of Diapers at Home
Step 1. Don't put diapers in the recycling bin
No matter where you are or how passionate you are about recycling, the fact is that single-use diapers cannot be recycled. When faced with mountains of dirty diapers, recycling facilities must sort these contaminants so they don't damage other items that can be recycled, such as paper and plastic. This will make their system as a whole less efficient and more expensive.
If you're concerned about the ecological impact of diaper waste-after all, ordinary disposable diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills-just buy diapers labeled as eco-friendly or biodegradable
Step 2. Buy a tread bin that doesn't need to be touched by hand, specifically for disposing of diapers
You must separate diaper waste from other waste and from food waste. So, having a separate container with a washable lid is important. Buy a trash can with a foot pedal that opens on its own so you don't have to touch it with dirty hands. Don't forget to line it with a plastic bag so that the diaper waste doesn't come into direct contact with the wall of the trash can.
- Even if you have a locked cupboard or a special changing room where you can store diaper bins, make sure that they are out of reach for children. Buy a tall trash can with weights at the bottom so children can't turn it over or reach it.
- Some people prefer to buy Diaper Genie to wrap each diaper in a separate bag. If you choose the same method, be aware that a plastic packaging system may not completely reduce the odor or hygiene hazards of used diapers.
Step 3. Dispose of solid waste into the toilet
Removing solid waste from baby's diapers before they are disposed of will reduce odors and bacteria, while keeping the bin from filling up quickly. Put on gloves or tissue paper and remove the dirt by hand and drop it into the toilet.
Depending on where you live, you may not need to do this step. In America, for example, disposable diapers and their contents are considered municipal solid waste, meaning that diapers can be disposed of safely without the need to empty the solid waste first
Step 4. Roll the diaper over the dirty inside
To prevent the diaper from soiling or spilling its contents after throwing it in the trash, roll it up tightly, using an adhesive strip on the side of the diaper to help secure it.
Step 5. Put the rolled up diaper in the trash and close it
Disposing of soiled diapers in a special closed bin will prevent human waste that has been contaminated with these bacteria from contaminating surfaces and other items in the house. Make sure you put the diaper in the trash using the foot pedal as opening the lid by hand can infect the lid and outer surface.
If you use latex gloves to protect yourself, throw them away with a soiled diaper
Step 6. Dispose of the trash bag once the trash can is full
As soon as the volume of soiled diaper reaches the rim of the trash can, throw it in the bin outside. Do not wait for it to overflow or jam as this can increase the chance of contamination.
If you run out of space, empty the trash and throw it in the bin outside or buy a second place to store the diapers that filled the first container
Step 7. Sanitize the inside of the trash can with soap and disinfectant
While the trash can is empty, clean the inside with soap and water to remove dirt and dust. After that, spray it with a household disinfectant or bleach to kill germs and bacteria.
If you smell a foul smell that sticks to the trash can despite frequent cleaning and disinfection, sprinkle baking soda, cloves, or used coffee grounds on the bottom. Dryer paper and coffee filters can also help reduce stubborn odors
Method 2 of 3: Disposing of Diapers on the Go
Step 1. Carry some resealable plastic bags in a diaper bag
Chances are, you already have a baby care kit that contains these supplies, such as diapers, snacks, wipes, and toys. To make sure you're always ready to dispose of baby's diapers discreetly and safely, put some heavy plastic bags in the kit and make sure the supplies are updated daily.
A zipped plastic bag can be very useful because it can lock in waste and moisture in diapers that are carried on a trip for some time. You can also buy scented bags at baby supply stores and general retail stores
Step 2. Roll up the used diaper and put it in a plastic bag
If this step is not included in your diaper disposal routine at home, it is important when you are outside. Put the diaper in the bag you brought with you and close it tightly before looking for the right trash can to throw it away.
If you are near the toilet, remove and flush solid waste before doing this to minimize the size of the bloated diaper and the pungent smell
Step 3. Find the trash can in an appropriate place
Even though it seems like all trash cans are created equal, think again. Throwing used diapers in the trash at other people's homes, restaurants, offices, or throwing them out the car window are unhygienic and inappropriate choices. Dispose of used diapers that have been wrapped in a plastic bag in the outdoor trash can or in the toilet. If you're at a friend's house, ask where the used diaper disposal is.
If there are no hygienic options available, carry them around until you find them
Step 4. Store soiled diapers in a separate bag if you are out in the wild
Disposable diapers will pollute the environment if left out there. So take a dirty diaper home after you go camping, hiking, or other outdoor adventures. If you don't like tackling “dirty work” like this, use public campsites or trails that are well maintained and have trash cans that are cleaned regularly.
Method 3 of 3: Composting Diapers
Step 1. Check local regulations and services available in your area
While most places around the world require disposable diapers to be put in a regular trash can to be disposed of in a landfill, some cities are trying to reduce diaper waste by providing a composting service. In Toronto, for example, you can dispose of soiled diapers-as well as cat litter and other pets-in a separate bin that will be sent to the city's composting facility.
Read the guide carefully to make sure that the composting service does accept diapers. Portland, for example, runs a composting program that collects food scraps and other organic waste, but does not accept diapers
Step 2. Evaluate the resources you have for making your own compost at home
If you have a backyard and a pre-existing compost pile, maybe you can make your own compost from dirty diapers. Otherwise, consider hiring a composting service that will do the dirty work for you. A service like this will pick up the diapers, take them to a large composting facility, and process the waste.
Just make sure you don't dump diaper waste in a compost pile for garden vegetables. Only put this bacteria-laden diaper waste into compost that you will use for flowers, clumps, and other plants that will not be consumed by humans
Step 3. Sort wet diapers from solid waste diapers
Composting is a great way to reduce diaper waste, but you can only do this with diapers that contain urine. Large professional composting facilities can accept both forms of waste because they can reach the high temperatures required to destroy the bacteria that make up their composition, but home composting cannot.
Dispose of diapers containing solid waste in the usual way
Step 4. Tear off the diaper to remove the contents
After the used diapers for 2 - 3 days have been collected, put on gloves and take them all to a private composting station. Hold each diaper on top of the compost pile and tear it apart, starting at the front. The entire contents of the diaper are compostable and are usually made of sodium polyacrylate and wood pulp, also known as “cellulose”.
Other parts, including upholstery, plastic, and paper, cannot be composted. Set aside and dispose of with another diaper that contains solid waste
Step 5. Stir the freshly dumped contents into the compost heap
Use a shovel or a long-handled hoe to spread the contents of the diaper throughout the compost pile so it doesn't collect in one place. Stir into the top layer of the existing compost pile to allow the fibers to begin to break down.
Step 6. Cover any visible contents of the diaper with soil or other compostable material
A successful pile of compost will break down its constituent materials and produce only a slight odor. To ensure that the contents of the diaper decompose as quickly as possible, just cover it with soil or compost from the bottom layer about 0.5 cm thick. If you do it right, the results will be visible within a month.
Warning
- Always wash your hands after changing a baby's diaper or handling objects that have been contaminated, such as used diapers.
- The contents of the diaper will not irritate the skin. However, inhaling small particles when you remove the diaper can irritate the respiratory tract. Wear a painter's mask if you find this bothersome, but don't worry as the contents of the diaper are non-toxic.
