Diapers Disposal
Adult Diaper Disposal: Environmental Awareness
The disposal of adult diapers is a fascinating—albeit tough—subject to tackle. But it is a necessary one, with the overall rise in adult incontinence product usage and subsequent rise in disposal. This article is the first in a short series that will address the disposability of adult incontinence products and how their material composition relates to the biodegradability and composting of these products. Before starting, I should say that the discussion here is based on best estimates and conjecture; after years of experience in this field, I've come across lots of different articles, discussions, facts and figures about diaper disposal, although I am by no means an expert in this subfield of the industry. The ideas expressed below are simply my personal opinions regarding the disposal of adult incontinent products and how they affect today's landfills.
How Much Are We Really Talking About?
About two decades ago, adult disposable diapers accounted for less than 1% of the nation's landfill. By comparison, baby diapers—a much smaller product with a much larger market share—totaled 2% of landfill. Today, those numbers are quite different: adult disposable diapers comprise nearly 7% of the nation's landfill while baby diapers are down in the 2–3% range. These numbers are incredibly significant. In a nation of more than 300 million people, with millions of tons of waste products being thrown out each day, nearly 10% of all trash is made up of soiled disposable diapers.
As the baby boomer market continues to age and more disposable diapers are consumed, this number is bound to grow. If some industry estimates are correct regarding increased need and use of adult disposable incontinence products, the percentage of the landfill will also grow.
What's Going into the Landfill?
So what exactly is being thrown away, and is any of it biodegradable? These are great questions—ones my eco-conscious staff and customers ask me all of the time. Most disposable adult incontinence products are made of a few key components:
Outer Shell:
Usually made of a plastic film, the outer shell is the component that ensures full containment in the diaper. Because it is meant to be impermeable, the plastic shell or backing is one of the key pieces that is not biodegradable and does not easily to break down in a landfill.
Pulp Filling:
The absorbent part of adult diapers, the pulp is the fluffy filling inside the diaper that often contains superabsorbent polymer (SAP), the truly absorbent feature of the diaper. The pulp is wood-based; the SAP is petroleum-based. The wood-based fluff is fairly biodegradable when left to decompose on its own; the synthetic polymer, however, is not. The problem is, these items are paired together as the absorbent part of the diaper that contains the human waste, and furthermore, they are contained by a larger plastic shell. Therefore, it is hard to separate the biodegradable item (the pulp) from the rest of it, which would allow it to decompose.
Assorted Components:
In addition to the outer shell and the absorbent filling, diapers are made up of a number of other components, including cloth-like non-woven, plastic tape, elastic cuffs, glue and more. These other odds and ends in diaper construction vary per brand and diaper, and are only able to break down in varying degrees, depending on their material composition. Generally speaking, most of these items are plastic-based and therefore take a long time to decompose.
In my coming posts, we'll cover how to dispose of diapers at home, some of the sanitary and health-related issues with diaper disposal, as well as disposal alternatives: composting, recycling government/private sector regulation and much more. There's a lot to cover, so stay tuned!
About the Author
About The Author
Caring.com Editorial Team
Caring.com features original content focused exclusively on eldercare matters. Our 20+ editors and writers research and fact-check every article meticulously, and our advisory board reviews the site regularly to assure the accuracy and relevance of the material we publish. We have hundreds of articles and checklists on health, housing, finance, legal and family issues, and other caregiving concerns, and we're adding new articles and other resources every day
Adult Diaper Disposal: Environmental Awareness
 |
 Baby Diaper Champ Blue DiaperChamp 2011R Odourless Disposal Diaper Pail  US $52.19
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Diaper Disposal Pail by Diaper Genie US $9.99
|
 Universal Diaper Pail Diaper Disposal System Refill Pack US $7.99
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie Essentials Diaper Disposal Pail 40002 US $14.99
|
 2 BOXES DIAPER DISPOSAL BAGS BABY NEWBORN CHANGING NIP US $3.99
|
 Diaper Genie Twistaway Disposal System Stage 1 Refill New US $9.99
|
 Dekor Plus Diaper Disposal Refill Pack of 2 NEW US $9.49
|
 HELLO KITTY Pink Handmade Baby Changing Pad Diaper Disposal Bags Washable US $12.00
|
 Playtex Diaper Elite Genie II Disposal System New US $33.00
|
 Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Disposal Travel Duck and Bags Carrier US $2.49
|
 225 Scented Diaper Disposal Bags Fresh Baby Power Easy Tie Handles Disposable US $3.99
|
 150 Scented Diaper Disposal Bags Fresh Baby Power Scent Easy To Tie Handles US $2.99
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Diaper Disposal Pail model 40024 US $9.99
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Diaper Foot Pedal Hands Free Diaper Disposal US $9.99
|
 Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Disposal Trash Pail White NEW US $42.99
|
 New Baby Trend blue Diaper pail Champ Odor Free Disposal can US $49.99
|
 MUNCHKIN ARM HAMMER DIAPER PAIL TRASH DISPOSAL WHITE BONUS DISHWASHER BASKET US $24.99
|
 OOAK baby doll 3 handmade disposal diaper nappy miniature in a box scale 112 US $15.00
|
 Diaper Genie Twist Away Disposal System Refill No Label or Packaging and Unused US $.99
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie ll Baby Diaper Disposal Pail US $19.99
|
 2 playtex Diaper genie refill twistaway disposal system toddler US $11.50
|
 Diaper Genie Elite Advanced Diaper Disposal System zTS US $29.99
|
 New Playtex Diaper Genie II Disposal System Refill 3 Pack Elite Essentials US $21.99
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie Baby Diaper Disposal Pail Antimicrobial Protection New US $47.97
|
 Diaper Dekor Plus Diaper Disposal System Baby Care Items Diper Pail Odor Free US $57.99
|
 Baby Trend Baby Diaper Pail disposal No Assembly Required Blue New US $49.99
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Advanced Diaper Disposal US $53.09
|
 NEW Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Disposal Trash Pail White FREE SHIPPING US $39.99
|
 750 Scented Diaper Disposal Bags Fresh Baby Power Scent 10 Boxes Disposable US $13.99
|
 DIAPER DISPOSAL BAGS LOT OF 3 US $5.99
|
 NEW Baby Trend Diaper Champ Deluxe Trash Disposal Pail System Pink FREE SHIP US $39.99
|
 Diaper Champ Diaper Disposal LOCAL PICK UP ONLY US $4.99
|
 Munchkin Arm Hammer Baby Diaper Pail Trash Refill Bags 3 Pack Diaper Disposal US $26.22
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie II Elite Advanced Diaper Disposal Outstanding Condition US $32.95
|
 NEW THE FIRST YEARS CLEAN AIR DIAPER DISPOSAL SYSTEM US $51.99
|
 NEW ARM AND HAMMER MUNCHKIN DIAPER PAIL Odor Control Container Genie Disposal US $39.99
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie Disposal System Refills 810 count total 3 pack of 270 ea US $22.99
|
 NEW Safety 1st Neat Diaper Disposal Refills LOT OF 48 US $325.00
|
 NEW Safety 1st Neat Diaper Disposal Refills LOT OF 12 US $125.00
|
 Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Diaper Disposal Pail White Infant Toddler 40024 US $33.99
|
|
|
Playtex Diaper Genie II Disposal System Refill Refill for the Diaper Genie II & Diaper Genie II Elite SystemsThis Playtex baby product is BPA (Bisphenol-A) free.Seven-layer film with odor barrier technology is part of the revolutionary AIR-TITE™ that locks in odors better than the competition Each refill cassette has enough film to hold up to 180 diapers Compatible with the Diaper Genie II Elite™ and Diaper Genie® II Diaper disposal... |
|
|
Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail Refill Bags, 3 Pack Designed exclusively for use with the Arm & HammerTM Diaper Pail by Munchkin, this three-pack of Refills contains a total of 30 disposable refill bags that help keep odors contained, so your baby's nursery smells fresh and clean. Unlike other diaper disposal devices, the bags do not need to be cut or tied--they just close with a snap. When it's time to replace the bag, simply seal and toss it int... |
|
|
Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Diaper Disposal Pail $29.50 ... |
|
|
Litter Locker II Hygenic Soiled Litter Disposal System $9.99 It's the hygienic way to get rid of your cat's waste! Simply scoop the litter and dispose it in the Litter Locker II, and with one quick pull and release of the handle, you can seal away clumps, odors and bacteria. The barrier bags have a multi-layer film to keep odors from escaping, and the handle-closing system keeps the bag airtight, storing litter for up to 2 weeks. The bin is made with durabl... |
|
|
Litter Locker II Refill $5.01 Litter Locker II Refill Litter Bag CartridgeLitter Locker II Refill Litter Bag Cartridges are easy to install and completely lock in odors. One cartridge lasts up to two months per cat. Easy to use, hygienic, odor free bags come in a plastic ring cartridge that installs quickly and easily in your Litter Locker II Cat Litter Disposal System.... |
|
|
Petmate 22510 LitterLocker Plus Refill Cartridge $5.00 Refill cartridge for the LitterLocker Plus. Refills last 2 months for 1 cat.... |
|
|
playtex baby diaper disposal system ... |
|
|
Kelty Tote Diaper Bag The stylish Tote Diaper Bag has a place for everything. The insulated cooler pocket feature ensures easy bottle access from the outside of the bag, and the internal organizer panel keeps your diapers,NULL, wipes, snacks and essentials organized.... |
|
|
Kelty Messenger Diaper Bag This sleek diaper bag is designed for the parent on-the-go who needs efficient organization and quick access to the essentials.... |
|
|
Summer Infant Keep Me Clean Disposable Diaper Sacks Summer Infant's diaper sacks offer a clean and green solution when you need to toss away those dirty diapers. A must have for your diaper bag, nursery and to carry along on trips. Comes with a resealable travel pouch for added convenience... |
