Disposal of Disposable Child Diapers by Caregivers and Their Environmental Health Implications in Kenya: A Review

Justinah Kavata Maluni University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Kenya justinahkavata@gmail.com

Received December 20, 2019; Revised January 18, 2020; Accepted February 11, 2020

Abstract: Disposal of soiled baby diapers is a major global environmental problem as they constitute a large percentage of the municipal solid waste. The disposable diapers require 500 years to fully decompose because of its durable plastics and superabsorbent polymer. Soiled disposable diapers contain untreated urine and feces which increases the threat of bacteria and viruses leaching into surface and ground water. Landfilled diapers also increase the prevalence of greenhouse gases like methane. The review objectives were to investigate the practices of diaper disposal among mothers/caregiver and determining the environmental health effects caused by improper disposal of soiled diapers. Reviews were conducted using search terms to identify available articles and journals via the PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct search engines. The review managed to gather information on the practices of diaper disposal and their effects to the environment. This paper therefore looked at the environmental health effects caused by used baby diapers in solid waste. It also evaluated the worldwide options of its disposal such as composting, landfilling, incinerating and recycling with energy generation and then selecting the most practical, sustainable, effective and efficient method of disposing soiled diapers. In conclusion, there are improper practices of disposing diapers among the caregivers. Improper disposal also leads to adverse environmental implications. The study recommends the awareness of mothers and caregivers be raised on proper practices of diaper disposal and their environmental implications.