How to Dispose of Diapers (The Right Way!)
If you’re like most parents, you probably use disposable diapers.
Not many people like cleaning reusable diapers, so disposable diapers are a convenient alternative.
On the downside, you have to properly dispose of them; you can’t simply throw them in the trash. Not only will that result in a stink in a hurry, but it’s also bad for the environment.
Even if you’re not at home, it’s possible to properly dispose of your baby diapers. If you’re not sure how to do so, this guide might be just the thing you need.
Diaper Pails: The Perfect Solution For Home
By far the best way to get rid of your disposable diapers is with a diaper pail. These are basically specialized trash pails that are designed to completely eliminate the smell.
Diaper pails are pretty straight-forward to use. The method differs from pail-to-pail, so you’ll have to read the directions for the specific model you purchase, but they all generally work the same way. They consist of the pail itself, as well as a disposable bag that sits inside as well as some sort of mechanism that keeps the bag sealed, therefore keeping the odours inside, too.
Diaper pails are pretty inexpensive, and they’re a great way to deal with diapers in your house. Highly recommended!
I personally recommend the Diaper Genie Elite (click here to check the price). It’s a pretty great deal for a great diaper pail, and should completely eliminate the smells. It also works with standard trash bags! Find it on Amazon with free returns if you don’t like it.
Disposing of Diapers Without a Diaper Pail
If you’re not going to use a diaper pail, that’s fine, too. No matter whether you’re at home or on the road, you’ll be throwing the diaper in the trash, but it’s important that you follow the proper steps, first.
- First of all, if it’s at all possible, be sure to dump any feces from the diaper into a toilet. This is pretty obvious: it helps reduce odour and bacteria growth, and just makes it easier to dispose of it without making a mess.
- Try to wrap the used diaper up as tightly as possible to reduce risk of spillage. You can use the sticky tape sections to help keep it wrapped up.
- Put the diaper in a sealed trash can if possible.
Disposing of Diapers on a Plane or On the Road
If you’re on a plane, or travelling by car, disposing of a diaper can be a bit more of a challenge. However, it’s still pretty easy if you know how to do it.
If you don’t have access to a trash can, the best thing to do is put the diaper in a sealable plastic bag. If you’re on an airplane, you can use the sick bag to store the diaper. However, please be aware that the FDA prohibits airline staff to handle soiled diapers when they’re serving food, so you may have to wait, or dispose of it yourself.
If you’re out for a walk, please don’t dispose of your diapers by throwing them away in the woods or any other area. This is terrible for the environment! The best option is to place them in a sealed plastic bag until you find a trash bin.
Doggie Waste Bags: A Surprising Solution
Biodegradable dog waste bags also work well for those that travel often. They’re cheap, generally come on a roll that you can easily store in your diaper bag, and often are easy to buy at any pet store. They make a great and convenient way to hold used diapers when you’re not in proximity to a trash bin.
Remember to Wash your Hands!
After handling a used diaper, be sure to wash your hands. Proper sanitary habits are very important when you have a baby, especially when it comes to handling dirty diapers! Your baby’s immune system is much less developed than yours, so you have to take extra care in making sure that your hands are always properly sanitized after handling things like used diapers.
