At the Sophia Children’s Hospital in Rotterdam, hundreds of thousands of diapers are used every year. Until recently, all of these ended up in the trash, but a new recycling initiative is changing that.
Pediatrician Sascha Verbruggen and nurse Suzanne Versluis-Broeren realized that disposing of diapers in the general waste not only created huge amounts of trash, but also unnecessary CO₂ emissions. They launched a project to recycle diapers from the pediatric ICU, giving them a second life while helping the environment.
From Waste to Resources
In collaboration with a specialized facility in Gelderland, almost every part of the diaper is repurposed. The plastic is transformed into items like street furniture and car interiors, the paper layers are recycled into cardboard and paper, and the organic material is converted into biogas and compost.
This program not only reduces waste but also significantly cuts CO₂ emissions. According to the team, recycling 1,000 kilograms of diapers saves about 899 kilograms of CO₂ compared to incineration.
Practical Benefits for the Ward
Besides the environmental benefits, the recycling initiative has improved conditions on the pediatric ICU. Special airtight diaper bins reduce unpleasant odors, making the ward a much more comfortable place for staff and patients alike.
Looking Ahead
The program currently runs on multiple ICU wards, with plans to expand throughout the hospital. The team hopes that other hospitals, daycare centers, and even municipalities will adopt similar initiatives. While washable diapers may be a future option, recycling remains an achievable and important step toward a more sustainable healthcare environment.
This blog post is based on an article originally published by Rijnmond. You can read the original article here: Thousands of diapers in the pediatric ICU get a second life.