08 Sep Practical Advice to Bio-degrade Moltex Eco-disposable Nappies

There are so many things to consider these days when choosing the right nappy solution for your baby. In the past, we simply had to choose between cloth or disposable and most often, this choice had to do with time, money and convenience. Now we know we should also consider the impact on the planet in terms of natural resources, water, energy, pollution, transport, and finally waste.

If you have chosen to use an eco-friendly disposable which can bio-degrade, like the Moltex Nappy we stock, the next question is – how do I dispose of them? It makes sense to ensure the most benefit is gained from using a bio-degradable nappy and to achieve this, the used nappy needs to be exposed to the right mix of environmental factors in order for it to break down.

What if I just send it to landfill?

You can send your bio-degradable nappies to landfill, but the lack of oxygen in landfills will slow down the biological processes necessary for bio-degrading. If you do send it to landfill, try not to discard the nappy inside a plastic bag, or if you do have to use a plastic bag, use a bio-degradable bag. Given the right circumstances in the landfill, the bio-degradable nappy will break down faster than conventional disposables.

You can also rest assured that Moltex Öko nappies offer a greener alternative from cradle to grave, even if the bio-degrading process takes place over a long period. From sourcing of sustainable and renewable materials for the nappy, through the environmentally conscious manufacturing processes and use of biodegradable packaging right through to its inherent ability to bio-degrade, you have already made a better choice for the environment.

Moltex Öko is more than 50% bio-degradable. Which parts can be composted?

The entire nappy can be placed on the compost heap as is. Alternatively you can remove the outer waterproof layer and re-sealable tabs before adding it to the compost to avoid having to sift it from the compost afterwards. It is also a good idea to cut the nappy open before adding it to the compost heap to get the decomposition process started up quicker.

Can I compost both soiled and wet nappies?

It is best to flush any fecal material down the toilet before composting to reduce the possibility of contaminating underground water supplies or before discarding nappies to landfill sites. We also suggest you dedicate a section of your compost heap to the nappies and just to be sure, not to use this compost in your vegetable garden.

How do I compost my bio-degradable nappies?

Eco-disposable nappies require a couple of things to bio-degrade; oxygen, moisture, light or heat and of course bio-organisms. There are two methods of composting eco-disposables, vermicomposting (earthworm composting) or regular garden composting.

Vermicomposting is seen as the most efficient way of composting eco-disposables as it is a faster method of composting and the waste volume is quickly reduced – handy when the nappies keep coming! Any plastic or preservative-free wood container can be used to create a wormery, but keep in mind that the larger the surface area, the better; at least 1m x 2m. There are many wonderful resources online on creating a vermicomposter, but for specific information on nappy composting, visit www.ecobaby.ie and go the DIY Worm Composter for Eco Nappies section. Once the worms are happy in their new home, they will actively start to consume all the parts of the nappies, breaking down the pulp and excreting the material, from where microbes can break it down.

For a slightly simpler method, albeit a longer process, Moltex Öko eco-disposables can be composted in a regular garden compost heap or bin. Simply start with some dry twigs or woody prunings and ready compost and start adding the nappies. For successful composting, an equal amount of ‘green’ and ‘brown’ materials are required. Because Moltex Öko nappies are carbon-rich, it would be considered a brown material. The compost heap therefore has to be balanced with green materials such as grass cuttings, raw vegetable peelings or soft green cuttings. If you’re using a bin, it’s best to leave it open to ensure there is enough moisture present, as the nappies are super-absorbent. It’s also important to add air into the compost to aid the process. To achieve this, try adding egg cartons, empty toilet rolls or twigs. (Source: Harriet Kopinska, Garden Organic www.gardenorganic.co.uk).

How long will it take to bio-degrade?

Moltex Öko nappies will take between 6-8 weeks to decompose, provided the correct environment is created as described above.

Composting nappies might seem daunting at first, but following the guidelines above it can be a relatively simple process and quite rewarding to know you did your part in reducing one of the biggest contributors to household waste.

Visit our natural & organic online shop to view the Moltex Nappies – prices have recently been reduced!