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How Long Does it Take For Diapers to Biodegrade?

Submitted by campbellgirl04 on Thu, Jun. 05, 2008

Does anyone know how long it takes for the baby diapers to biodegrade?

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Comments (3)

urbanmummy
Mon, Aug. 10, 2009

Plastic does not biodegrade!

The plastic outer liner on a typical disposable diaper will never biodegrade. 7th generation disposable diapers use non-woven fabric aka plastic. If you are looking for a biodegradable disposable try Nature Babycare - certified compostable - this diaper uses a plant-based film to prevent leaks. This film is breathable - unlike a plastic liner! - and so helps reduce diaper rash. Win: win! Purchase from Diapers.com in U.S.A. or ecobotts.ca if in Canada.

Bettina
Tue, Jun. 16, 2009

They Never Biodegrade!

This post has been here a long time with no real answer. Assuming the diaper goes to the landfill it will NEVER fully decompose. They process takes air, light, and/or water. Buried it won't get air or light. The organic components ( paper pulp & waste)of the diaper will decompose over time who knows is anyones guess. The 500-1000 years is for the organic matter, I would guess. The plastic component of the diaper will never decompose. The plastic will come apart into smaller plastic pieces over thousands of years. But the volume of the plastic will not change,it just breaks apart. Plastic once created is here to stay.

KellyBeacham
Thu, Jun. 05, 2008

Typical Baby Diapers

According to research I've seen, and to treehugger.com, baby diapers that are "disposable" take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills. Mothersfightingforothers.com says 10-20 years to decompose (but I'm not sure of their resources). The US EPA website says 450 years for disposable diapers (but I believe this was for marine decomposition and not landfill).

The difference here is that these are typical, run-of-the-mill diapers you see in supermarkets as opposed to a biodegradeable diaper that you might find through the internet or at health food stores.