Scientists are advocating for parents to begin potty training children earlier, citing the substantial environmental impact of disposable diapers and other absorbent hygiene products (AHPs). According to research, approximately 300,000 diapers are discarded globally every minute, contributing to a significant portion of annual waste.
AHPs, including diapers, incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products, account for an estimated 160 to 200 million tonnes of waste each year. Over 99 percent of these products end up in landfills or are incinerated, leading to plastic pollution, water and air contamination, and the potential spread of disease. The average age for toilet training has increased over the decades, exacerbating the problem. In the UK, for instance, the average age for toilet training rose from just over two years and four months in the 1950s to over three years in the 2000s, a 32 percent increase over 50 years.
Dr. Elze Porte, lead author from University College London, stated that earlier toilet training could drastically reduce the number of diapers used and discarded. Beyond environmental benefits, she noted that fewer diaper uses could also save families money and potentially improve children's bladder and bowel health.
The difficulty in recycling modern diapers, which are composed of complex mixtures of fibers, plastics, and super-absorbent materials often contaminated with human waste, makes them a major source of plastic waste. Even advanced recycling technologies can only recover a small fraction of the original materials. Inadequate waste management systems in many lower-income countries exacerbate the issue, with diapers often dumped or burned in streets, creating significant pollution risks.
"This makes absorbent hygiene products a major, yet largely unrecognised, contributor to the plastic waste crisis," Dr. Porte said. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, highlights earlier toilet training as a simple yet effective measure.
However, recent data indicate a trend toward later toilet training. In the US, only 40 to 60 percent of children are reported to be toilet trained by 36 months. A 2024 survey of teachers in England and Wales found that a quarter of school starters were not toilet trained. Researchers acknowledge that factors such as lack of guidance, time pressures on caregivers, and the perceived convenience of disposable products present challenges for parents.
The issue extends beyond diapers to all disposable AHPs. Dr. Porte pointed out that around 14 million people in the UK alone use disposable incontinence products, a number expected to grow with an aging population. This underscores the need for immediate action to reduce waste and develop more sustainable solutions.
The researchers propose a multi-faceted approach involving changes in behavior, technology, materials, and policy to address the growing crisis of AHP waste. They also called for the industry to develop more recyclable and compostable alternatives for products that cannot be avoided.