Household > Nappy & Sanitary Recycling

Nappies are said to take over 500 years to decompose. With Britain using around 3 billion nappies each year, this is a lot of waste which is going to remain around for a very long time.

But, there is now a solution…

Canadian firm Knowaste opened the UK’s first nappy recycling plant last month (Monday 12 September 2011). The plant in West Bromwich is the first of 5, with plans already in place to open a further 4 plants in the next 4 years.

The nappies are recycled into roof tiles and other products, such as:

- Plastic wood
- Plastic roofing tiles
- Absorption materials
- Process sweeteners
- Recycled paper products
- Green energy

Other Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPs), including feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products are also recycled at the Knowaste plant.

For more information, check out the Knowaste website. There is also an interesting video of the recycling process on there!

Reduce

However, don’t forget, Reduce is the first in The 3 R’s (Reduce Reuse Recycle). So why not start by reducing this waste, using eco-friendly, re-usable and washable products?

Traditional washable nappies can be purchased from various shops. BabiPur have a wide selection. 

Re-usable feminine hygiene products are also available.

Pink Robin sell various re-usable products in all sizes, types and some pretty colours and patterns too!

Eco alternatives to tampons


The Moon Cup is made from medical-grade silicone and is the healthier alternative to tampons. It is also better for the environment, as one single Moon Cup is said to last around 10 years. There is also an even greener product, called The Keeper, which is made from natural gum rubber.

More information on Moon Cups and Keepers can be found at the following link.

Sponges are also available, such as the Moon Sponge, and the Jam Sponge. These are made from natural sea sponge and replace tampons.

Moon Times supply a wide range of eco sanitary products.

Read more 

Daily Mail 

Guardian

 
 
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