The nappy waste problem
Every year, around 3 billion disposable nappies are thrown away in the UK. Once in landfill, nappies last for more than 500 years - polluting the planet and long outliving the babies they were used on. But there is a solution...
Pura NappiCycle has been recycling nappies in Wales for more than a decade, and we partnered with them in 2021. Together, Pura NappiCycle keeps 60 million nappies out of landfill every year. Dirty nappies are then repurposed, transformed into pellets that can be used in all sorts of useful items including benches and asphalt for paving roads.
This is happening in Wales due to the support of the Welsh government. In areas where local authorities have signed up for nappy recycling, households receive a free kerbside collection service for used nappies.
Our ambition is for all UK parents to have access to nappy recycling. But to make this happen, we need to convince local and central government.
Our trailblazing Bristol trial
In 2024, Pura NappiCycle partnered with Green Bottoms and Bristol Waste Company to deliver England’s largest nappy recycling trial. Over 2,500 households registered interest, and during the first 12 months of the trial, 600,000 nappies have been recycled.
The Bristol trial has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 98% of participants rating the service as Good or Excellent. 100% would recommend the service, and 98% would definitely use it again if offered by their local authority. Surveys have also shown the vast majority of participants noticed reduced pressure on general waste bins.
What's next...?
We’re working hard to promote the benefits of nappy recycling to government and the public through our trial, and we’ve already received fantastic media support.
Our brilliant brand ambassador Gemma Styles is also championing the cause. Watch, and find out what she had to say to press and influencers at our recent press event.
Keep your eyes peeled on our social channels for the latest on our nappy recycling mission...
