Ecobaby and Nappy Disposal (Revised August 2007)

Baby nappies make up a large volume of all waste sent for disposal. Based on official 
figures available in 2007, disposable baby nappies make up about 1% of municipal 
solid waste in Ireland. 

Proponents of washable nappies say that we can not sustain the constant 
waste creation, dumping and incineration associated with disposable baby nappies. 

They're right. However, independent studies comparing ordinary disposables and washables 
show that the amount of environmental impact is similar for both systems, 
only the type of impact is different. Disposables consume materials, and most go to landfill.
Washables consume water and energy, but use less materials.

At Ecobaby, we believe there is a logical solution. We aim to keep baby nappies 
out of the waste stream altogether. What's in a baby nappy should be considered a 
resource, not a waste product. Now, we have a novel system of nappy disposal 
which combines the eco nappy with modern composting techniques. 

We believe this to be a 'World First' when it comes to diaper / nappy disposal.

As of May 2007, Ecobaby is the only company in Ireland that has employed the services
of a qualified environmental expert to carry out extensive testing of various composting
systems that might be used in the treatment of used Eco Nappies.

Our results show rather dramatically that using standard commercial composting systems,
The Eco Nappy is substantially broken down in as little as ten days (!) and that the residual
plastic even at that stage is not a problem in the composting process. It is also worth noting
that the temperature in the composting system was held at over 60°C for almost a week,
due to bacteria that like to live at that temperature. By creating such a high temperature,
these bacteria make sure that any nasties like e-coli, salmonella etc., that might be in the
waste are killed.

Furthermore, the composting is done to Animal By-Products standards, so there is no
chance of anything nasty surviving those temperatures.

In addition, this substantial breakdown continued in the weeks afterwards, as the
compost was (as is always the case) removed from the initial composting area to an
outside area for 'maturation'. That means allowing the compost to finish off, and
become usable as compost, over a period of some weeks.

We will shortly be publishing the full results of this process, together with photographs,
temperature data, and laboratory and horticultural test results.

Of course you should feel free to contact us at any time in relation to this.