What are washable nappies?
Washable nappies are sometimes called cotton or reusable nappies. They are made from cotton, bamboo, hemp or microfibre and can be washed at home or by a laundry service.  They are reusable.

Why choose washable nappies?
Mums and dads are changing to washables for many reasons, including:

1. Waste and environmental concerns

• Disposable nappies end up in landfill sites, taking up very limited space. We do not know how long it takes for the plastics in disposables to decompose but it could be hundreds of years.
• 8 million disposable nappies are thrown away every single day in the UK - 3 billion are thrown away every year.
• Disposable nappies make up about 4% of all household waste in the UK.
• Nappy disposal costs local authorities thousands of pounds a year (for example Bristol City spend £500,000).

2. Your baby's health

• Disposable nappies are made of superabsorbent chemicals, paper pulp, plastics and adhesives. Washable nappies are mostly made of natural fabrics. 

3. Cost

• Parents can save from £500 to £1,000 by using washable nappies.

4. Ease of use

• Modern washable nappies are easy to use and wash. Liners are used with washable nappies to catch the waste and can then be flushed down the toilet.

5. Faster potty training

• Many parents choose washables because babies potty train much quicker when they wear washables.

What are the choices?
A wide variety of washable nappies is available. There is lots of advice at hand to help you choose the nappies that best suit your lifestyle and your baby.

Washable nappies can be either: 

• A two-part system:
  Part one:  'the nappy' - made from absorbent cotton. The nappy can be a shaped fitted nappy or a simple flat nappy such as a terry square, prefold or muslin.
  Part two:  'the wrap' - a waterproof cover made from breathable fabric to keep your baby's clothes dry.

• An all-in-one system:
  With these the nappy and wrap are combined to make one nappy.

Many parents use liners with their cotton nappies for solid waste. You can  buy biodegradable flushable liners, which flush down the toilet, or reusable washable liners.  Cotton nappies are easy to wash at home on a normal 40° or 60° cycle. They really are easy to use.

A free Nappy Guide is available, covering all you need to know about washable nappies. To request a copy please contact us.

Recycling Hotline
Woking Road Depot
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444499
Email: recycling@guildford.gov.uk