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All roads lead to recycling: diaper processing via source separation and post-separation

thumbnail All roads lead to recycling: diaper processing via source separation and post-separation
Written by:
Jouke Elsinga
In the transition to a circular economy, diaper and incontinence waste poses a significant challenge. At 400 million kilos per year, this stream accounts for approximately 8% of residual waste. Although the logistical route, source separation or post-separation, is often the subject of debate, one thing is certain for Repaid: the destination remains high-quality recycling.

A technological solution to a logistical challenge

Within the waste sector, there is much discussion about the ideal collection method to recover raw materials. Source separation, where citizens sort the waste themselves, is often preferred for the purity of the stream. Post-separation, in which mechanical installations remove diapers from residual waste afterwards, on the other hand, offers optimal convenience for citizens and efficient scaling up for processors.

For Repaid's TDH technology (Thermal Pressure Hydrolysis), however, the origin of the diaper is not the determining factor for success. Practical experience shows that our installations can flawlessly transform both streams into sterile raw materials. This offers municipalities the much-needed flexibility in their waste policy.

“Whether a municipality opts for pre-separation or post-separation: our technology ensures that diapers are no longer lost in the incinerator, but return to the chain as valuable raw materials.”
https://repaid.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/d8371b22648defc1fd173596c3471ff2.jpg headshot
Jouke Elsinga
CEO at Repaid

Context: the pressure on residual waste is increasing

The need to keep diapers out of the incinerator is becoming increasingly urgent. The sector faces major challenges due to changing market conditions and increasing pressure on the carbon footprint. Instead of being a linear end point, waste-to-energy plants will function as the driving force behind circularity with our Repaid technology.

It is actually very logical: every kilo of diaper waste we recycle does not have to go into the incinerator. At a time when legislation is becoming stricter and society demands real solutions, recycling is simply the smartest strategic move for waste processors.

"This is not about ideals, but about a sound business case. With the changing tax structure for incineration, this is simply the most logical next step for waste processors in a circular market."
https://repaid.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/d8371b22648defc1fd173596c3471ff2.jpg headshot
Jouke Elsinga
CEO at Repaid

Guaranteed hygiene, regardless of the separation route

It is often thought that diapers from post-separation are not clean enough for recycling. That is a misunderstanding. Whether a diaper comes from a separate bin or a sorting line, our technology makes no distinction. Bacteria and drug residues do not survive the process. 

The result is a sterile product that meets strict industrial standards. Whether the diaper arrives at our facility via a separate diaper bin or an advanced sorting line, the output remains constant: high-quality plastics, cellulose for biogas or composting, and polymers from SAP for use in building materials.

Working together on a circular future

For Repaid, the choice between source separation or post-separation is not a barrier. We offer a technology that allows both paths to lead to the same goal: a world where waste is once again a valuable raw material.

Curious how a Repaid system fits into your current processes? Let's compare the options. Contact us for a no-obligation (online) consultation.

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