Copenhagen launches diaper recycling program to reduce waste

diaper recycling waste management circular economy Copenhagen climate policy

Copenhagen Municipality has launched a new initiative to collect and recycle used diapers, aiming to divert approximately 50 million diapers from incineration annually. The program begins with the installation of specialized waste bins in municipal daycare centers and apartment buildings with at least six children aged 0-4. The rollout will expand to nursing homes and elderly housing next year.

By 2029, the city expects to collect 5,000 tons of diaper waste per year. The waste will be processed at a new facility in Hvidovre, operated by the environmental company Verdis, which is scheduled to begin operations in February 2027. The facility aims to achieve a recovery rate of up to 94 percent.

The recycling process separates various components for different uses: plastic can be repurposed into new products, such as car interiors; cellulose and organic matter can be converted into biogas, electricity, and district heating; and superabsorbent polymers can be used as binding agents in the construction industry. Additionally, the liquid content can be treated for use in washing garbage trucks. Line Barfod, the Mayor for Climate, Environment, and Technology, stated that the initiative offers significant climate benefits by replacing incineration with resource recovery.

Entities

Copenhagen · Copenhagen Municipality · Elon Musk · Line Barfod · Verdis

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The recycling process includes cellulose, liquid, and feces. migogkbh.dk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Recycled plastic from diapers can be used for car interiors. migogkbh.dk
[● 2 SOURCES] Diapers will be processed at Denmark’s first treatment plant dedicated to diaper recycling. www.tv2kosmopol.dk · via.ritzau.dk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The scheme will expand to municipal nursing homes and elderly housing next year. via.ritzau.dk
[● 3 SOURCES] Københavns Kommune is starting to collect used diapers for recycling in city courtyards and municipal daycare centers. www.tv2kosmopol.dk · migogkbh.dk · via.ritzau.dk
[● 3 SOURCES] Initial collection targets apartment buildings with at least six children aged 0-4. www.tv2kosmopol.dk · migogkbh.dk · via.ritzau.dk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The municipality expects to collect 5,000 tons of diaper waste once the scheme is fully implemented in 2029. via.ritzau.dk
[● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 50 million diapers are discarded in Copenhagen every year. www.tv2kosmopol.dk · migogkbh.dk · via.ritzau.dk