This updated guide explains current considerations around reusable, disposable, and compostable nappies. Reusables can lower environmental impact when laundered efficiently; disposables remain practical for many families. "Eco" and compostable claims require scrutiny because many products need industrial composting and landfills slow biodegradation. Choose the option that fits your household and verify composting claims locally.
Becoming a parent often makes you more aware of the world you're leaving your children. One everyday choice that feels loaded with environmental consequence is nappies. The debate - cloth versus disposable versus compostable - is still active, but the options and evidence have changed since the mid-2000s.
The environmental picture
Huge numbers of nappies are still used globally each year, and many end up in landfill. Exactly how damaging disposables are depends on the comparison method: manufacturing, transport, raw materials, energy used to launder cloth nappies, and end-of-life disposal all matter. Recent life-cycle analyses suggest reusable nappies tend to have a lower overall environmental footprint if they're laundered efficiently (low-temperature washes, full loads, line-drying) and not dried at high heat. However, outcomes vary by study and by local factors such as energy mix and water treatment regimes.
Practical realities for families
Cloth nappies have come a long way. Modern systems include all-in-ones, pocket nappies, and hybrid systems that combine reusable shells with disposable inserts. They can cut landfill contribution but require time or a laundry service, which isn't feasible for every household. For many parents - especially those working full-time, with limited space, or multiple young children - disposables still offer practical advantages.
"Eco" disposables and compostable claims
Disposable brands now market products with plant-based or sustainably sourced fibers, reduced chlorine bleaching, and fewer added chemicals. Some labelled "compostable" or "biodegradable" are designed to break down faster than conventional disposables under the right conditions. But performance varies: many of these products require industrial composting facilities to break down effectively, and most municipal compost programs do not accept used nappies for hygiene reasons. Landfill conditions are often anaerobic and slow biodegradation, so home-composting claims should be checked carefully. 1
How to choose
Make a decision that fits your household. If you can launder with low energy and line-dry, reusables are likely the lower-impact choice. If time, health, or logistics point you to disposables, look for brands with transparent supply and end-of-life information and consider ways to reduce overall waste (e.g., efficient changing routines, bulk purchasing). If you consider compostable nappies, confirm local disposal options first.
Tips
- Follow manufacturer laundering guidance and avoid excessive tumble drying or ironing.
- If you're curious about cloth but worried about time, try hybrids or a trial set.
- Verify composting claims and local facility acceptance before relying on compostable nappies.
- Confirm current estimates for the number of nappies used annually in the UK and globally.
- Locate and cite recent life-cycle analyses (post-2010) comparing reusable and disposable nappies and summarize key findings.
- Verify typical composting requirements and timelines for commercially marketed 'biodegradable' or 'compostable' nappies, and confirm the acceptance policy of municipal compost programs for used nappies in major markets.