Is composting disposable diapers a good environmental solution? Compost created with disposable diapers is called mixed solid waste (MSW) compost, or "dirty" compost. It should not be confused with the nutrient-rich humus of your backyard composter. Dirty compost is not a good soil enhancer. In fact, staff scientist and solid waste expert Jackie Prince of the Environmental Defense Fund says MSW compost is a "low quality, contaminated material with uses limited to landfill cover, for example."

The claim that certain diaper brands are made from "compostable" materials does not alter the reality that they are still just as 100% garbage as brands that do not claim it. The "compostable diaper" claim is merely bait to help consumers feel like they are making a good environmental choice, when in reality they are not.

The more you look into the "recycling" of disposable diapers, the better you'll understand that composting is not an environmental solution for this single-use, plastic product. Cotton diapers are a much better alternative. Reusing a product is recycling in the purest form.