Disposable nappies are clogging South Africa’s landfills and waterways—Swellendam’s new survey aims to change that.
Nappy waste is one of South Africa’s fastest-growing environmental challenges, with over 2,400 tonnes of disposable nappies dumped in landfills every day. In rural areas like Swellendam, where waste services may be limited, used nappies often end up in streams, fields, or informal dumps, posing serious risks to public health, livestock, and water systems.

Why does it matter?

• Each child using disposable nappies generates nearly a ton of waste before potty training!
• These nappies contain plastic and synthetic materials that can take hundreds of years to break down.
• In areas without reliable waste removal, nappies are often discarded in nature, contaminating water sources and harming grazing land.
• Absorbent Hygiene products make up 9% of Swellendams total household waste which is significant

From Bum to Bin: Where Do Nappies Go?

The Swellendam Municipality, in partnership with the University of the Western Cape and Aquila Environmental is launching a new study to better understand the scale of the problem. The survey will measure how much nappy waste is generated by households and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across the region.

Bum’s the Word: Swellendam’s Waste Watch Begins

Fieldworkers are conducting confidential interviews during November 2025.
The goal is to gather accurate data that can inform practical, community-based solutions—from improved waste services to the promotion of reusable “smart nappies,” which are already being piloted in other rural areas.

Calling All Caregivers: Let’s Talk Nappies and Nature

What can you do? If you’re a parent, caregiver, or ECD provider in Swellendam, your participation matters. By sharing your experience, you’ll help shape future policies that protect our environment and support healthier communities.

For more information, contact: jvanniekerk@swellendam.gov.za / 028 514 8500

Washable cloth nappies are the quickest, easiest and most viable solution to address the immediate problem of single-use nappy pollution that continues to despoil South Africa’s grasslands and waterways. (Photo: Leonie Joubert)

What to do with used nappies?

Babies can use up to 12 nappies a day. Toddlers use about 8. Adults with incontinence (trouble controlling bladder or bowel) may use 4 adult nappies a day. That’s a lot of nappies every week!

So what do you do with them? And are you throwing them away the right way?

At home

If you’re using nappies at home—for a baby, toddler, or elderly person—you can put them in your normal rubbish bin. This is called “general waste.” But there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t recycle nappies. They are dirty and not recyclable. Putting them in recycling makes extra work for waste workers and can spoil clean items like paper and plastic.
• Flush the poo. If there’s solid waste in the nappy, use toilet paper or gloves to remove it and flush it down the toilet. This helps reduce smell and germs.
• Use a separate bin. It’s best to keep nappies in their own bin with a lid. A foot pedal bin is good so you don’t have to touch it. Line the bin with a plastic bag.
• Throw the bag in your weekly rubbish. The municipality will collect it and take it to the landfill.

Remember: disposable nappies are made with plastic and can take up to 500 years to break down. Cloth nappies are better for the environment. They use less water, energy, and materials, and can be reused.

Creches, pre-schools, and old age homes

If you run a place that uses lots of nappies—like a creche, pre-school, or care home—you can’t throw them in the normal rubbish. Big amounts of nappy waste must be handled carefully to protect people and nature.

You need special bins and a registered waste company to collect and dispose of them safely. These bins are sealed and picked up regularly.

Hospitals and clinics

Nappies from hospitals or clinics may contain germs or medicine. These are treated as “healthcare risk waste.” They must go in special red-lined bins and be collected by a medical waste company. This keeps everyone safe and follows the law.

What is incontinence?

Incontinence means someone cannot fully control their bladder or bowel. It can happen because of age, illness, injury, or childbirth. Sometimes it’s temporary, sometimes it lasts longer.

Be clean and safe when changing nappies. Wash hands, use gloves if needed, and keep waste separate.

FIND OUT MORE: Nedbank Green Trust
Daily Maverick – Nappy Waste
SACNU Environmental Impact