Copenhagen will wash garbage trucks with used diapers
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Copenhagen, Denmark, plans to recycle used diapers instead of burning them, aiming to reduce waste and protect the climate.
The city will provide special bins to daycares and apartment buildings with young children, asking residents to sort diapers separately from other trash. Currently, Copenhagen burns 50 million diapers annually. The city expects the new recycling process, beginning in 2029, will save 5000 tons of waste. A new facility will process the diapers, recovering up to 94 percent of the materials.
Plastic from the diapers can become new plastic products, while cellulose and fecal matter will generate biogas, electricity, or district heating. Superabsorbent polymers will be converted into a binding agent for use in construction, and liquids from the diapers will be treated for washing garbage trucks. Copenhagen is initially placing bins in locations with many young children and will expand the program to nursing homes next year, requesting that people tie the diaper bags closed before disposal.
