Reusable nappies or disposable nappies?

Some parents are interested in the idea of reusable nappies for either cost or environmental reasons. Others may be concerned that reusable nappies could be less convenient and more labour-intensive than disposable nappies.

Many parents start with one or two reusable nappies to see if it works for them. They may find they use a mix of disposable when out and about, and reusable when at home.

Here we lay out the environmental and cost impacts of each option.

What are the effects on the environment?

The impacts come down to:

• Manufacture
• Disposal – landfill, incineration, composting
• Washing and drying of reusable nappies
• Second life of reusable nappies

Manufacture

Most of the environmental impact associated with nappies is in making disposables (WRAP, 2015).

By the time a baby is potty trained it is estimated that they could use 4,000 - 6,000 disposable nappies. In contrast, if using reusable nappies only around 20-30 will be needed, which can also be used by siblings (WRAP, 2015).

So, while there will still be an environmental cost in the manufacture of reusable nappies, it won’t be as significant as that of disposables.

Disposal in landfill or incineration

The local council should be able to provide information on how waste is disposed locally. It will be landfill, incineration, or possibly a mix of the two. Some local councils offer incentives on reusable nappies to reduce the volume of waste (MoneySavingExpert, 2025).

Whether in landfill or incineration, disposable nappies will eventually release their chemical components to the environment. This includes greenhouse gases, and some chemicals may be toxic (World Economic Forum, 2023).

If the nappies are not emptied before disposal, then untreated poo can end up in the water system, and release methane as it decomposes (PollutionIssues, 2008).

Compostable or biodegradable disposables

These nappies are disposable but avoid the use of plastic when they are being made, so they have less environmental impact as they break down. However they need a hot composter to break down, which is not available in all areas (UN Environment Programme, 2023; World Economic Forum, 2023):

Making them involves higher use of agricultural land and water than normal disposables. And as there is no international definition of biodegradable, the term may at times be simply used as a marketing tool (World Economic Forum, 2023; UN Environment Programme, 2023).

Washing and drying reusable nappies

How nappies are washed and dried makes a big difference to their impact on the environment.

A few washing tips (Which?, 2026 c; MoneySavingExpert, 2025):

• Whether using disposable or reusable nappies, any poo should be rinsed or flushed down the toilet. Paper liners may clog the drains, so washable liners can be better.
• There is no need to soak before washing, but heavy soiling can be rinsed in the toilet. Nappies can be stored in a lidded bucket for a couple of days.
• Outer wraps don’t need to be washed after a single use, and they can be washed at a lower temperature.
• Wash at the temperature recommended in the care instructions.
• Don’t use fabric softener, as this reduces absorbency.
• Line drying in daylight helps bleach any stains.
• In some towns and cities there are washing services which collect dirty nappies and drop off clean ones.

This table shows the environmental impact of different ways of washing and drying nappies (Which?, 2026 c; MoneySavingExpert, 2025; UN Environment Programme, 2023).

While it may not be possible to take all the lower impact steps, any steps that can be taken will help.

Which type of nappy is cheaper?

A common concern about nappies is the cost over the average 2.5 years they will be needed for each child.

Disposables

The government guide MoneyHelper has estimated the lifetime cost of disposable nappies to be between £500 for supermarket own brand, and £1000 for branded nappies (MoneyHelper, 2021).

A 2026 Mumsnet review found that own brand supermarket nappies were best overall and the best budget disposable nappies (Mumsnet, 2026).

Reusables

The MoneyHelper guide estimates the average overall cost of buying reusable nappies as £400 (MoneyHelper, 2021). If used for a second child it may be necessary to replace some nappies, but the initial cost won’t be repeated.

While for disposables the cost is spread over on average 2.5 years, for reusables the up-front cost can feel worrying. However, there is no need to buy an entire nappy system in one go. Many parents start with trying a couple of washable nappies alongside disposables to see how they get on with them.

There are lots of places to buy or sell reusable nappies, including at NCT Nearly New Sales. And some councils offer incentive packs (MoneySavingExpert, 2025).

NCT Nappy Libraries

Out NCT Nappy Libraries are run by volunteers in local communities across the UK. They offer advice and support to anyone interested in using resuable nappies, as well as the opportunity to try and borrow them. Find out if we offer the service in your area by putting your postcode in the search field on this page.

Further information

Check to see if your local council offers washable nappy incentives.

Find out more about washable nappies and where to buy them.