Around 3 billion nappies are discarded annually in the UK, with most ending up in landfill or incineration. To tackle this major environmental challenge, Pura NappiCycle partnered with Green Bottoms and Bristol Waste Company in 2024 to deliver the groundbreaking nappy recycling trial.
Over 2,500 Bristol households registered interest, and the nappy recycling trial has delivered measurable environmental and operational benefits in Bristol where disposable nappies and other absorbent hygiene products make up an estimated 8% of the city’s household waste bins.
Traditionally, all nappy waste in Bristol is incinerated – a method that is costly and less efficient than nappy recycling due to the low calorific value of wet nappies and emissions including carbon dioxide, dioxins, and toxic ash.
Instead, this trial has allowed for valuable cellulose and plastic fibre to be recovered and repurposed into products such as Stone Mastic Asphalt for road surfaces, exemplifying circular economy principles.
Looking ahead
Trial surveys reveal that 86% of participants noticed reduced pressure on their general waste bins, highlighting an immediate benefit to household waste capacity and collection systems.
Feedback from trial participants was overwhelmingly positive: 100% of participants would recommend the service, and 98% would definitely use it if offered by their local authority.
The long-term ambition is national rollout, supported by policy change, industry investment, and a proven framework for large-scale nappy recycling across the UK.
Pura founder Guy Fennell says:
“We’re thrilled at this significant milestone in our Pura NappiCycle trial. We want to bring this service to families across the whole of the UK. Achieving this requires government legislation and support, and we will continue to campaign for it – for the sake of our children’s futures.”
Rob Poyer, founder of NappiCycle, adds:
“Many parents in Wales already enjoy a free, local authority nappy collection and recycling service thanks to support from the Welsh Government, so we have a proven solution to the problem of nappy waste. The success of the trial proves just how much demand there is for a nationwide solution.”
