Nappies go in general waste
Used nappies — disposable ones — go in your general (non-recycling) bin. They can't be recycled: they're made of mixed plastics, absorbent gel and paper fused together, and they're contaminated, so no kerbside recycling or textile route will take them. Don't put them in your recycling — they'll contaminate the load.
How to bag them hygienically
A few simple steps keep things clean and odour-free:
- Roll the nappy up and fasten it with its own tabs
- Bag nappies (a nappy sack or tied carrier bag) before the bin
- Tie the bin bag well to keep odours and leaks in
- Never flush any part of a nappy or a wipe
Thinking about reusable nappies
If the amount of waste bothers you, reusable cloth nappies are worth a look — they cut a huge amount of landfill over a child's early years, and some Scottish councils have offered real-nappy incentives in the past. It's a bigger upfront step, but a real dent in household waste.
Bulk nappy waste (nurseries & childcare)
Nurseries, childminders and care settings generate nappy waste at a scale the household bin can't handle — and it's classed as trade waste. That needs a licensed carrier on a regular collection. We can help with commercial and bulk household waste across Glasgow.
