Some people question whether nappy bins are really worth it, and it really does depend on your budget and circumstances. They can be very handy and, in general, offer more odour protection than a normal bin. They're convenient and usually quite reasonable-priced, and you can get some quite stylish ones in the nursery.
A nappy bin or bucket is an important part of your kit if you're using reusable nappies. Many of the best nappy bins and buckets have compatible mesh or cloth liners which can be thrown straight into the washing machine with your nappies, saving time and reducing mess.
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If you're struggling as to which nappies you should use, take a look at our round ups of the best newborn baby nappies or best nappies for babies and toddlers. Plus, we have the best recommendations for nappy rash creams that will be handy too.
What should I look for when buying a nappy bin?
Liner system – Some nappy bins are designed to take liners, which are essentially just plastic bags, but they often come as a long roll on a special "cassette" which can be pricey to replace (and difficult to locate if you have an older model). Check availability of these before you buy!
Capacity – The capacity normally covers size 1 nappies, so the bin and liners will hold fewer nappies (and need changing more often) as your baby grows. However, older babies can often go a bit longer between changes so it can even out.
Special features – Yes, it's a bin, but many of the modern designs have extra features, like the ability to wrap the nappy up tightly to avoid odours. Most of these are nice, but not necessary. If you're on a budget, all you really need is a bucket with a lid.
Safety – As with all bins, plastic bags and liners, you'll need to make sure your little one can’t get hold of them. Look for bins with lids that require an adult touch to open them, and store the bin away from curious little hands.
Reusable nappy bins – Reusable cloth nappies need to be stored in a bucket or bin with a tight-fitting lid until they're washed. Although previous generations soaked their soiled nappies, modern cloth nappies are better stored in a "dry pail", possibly with a mesh bag inside. If you've used a disposable liner, you can put the used nappies straight into the bucket and pop on the lid. Soiled or stained nappies will usually need to be rinsed first.
Howdidwechoose our 10 of the Best?
Our 10 of the Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews, testing undertaken during the MadeForMums Awards, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Each year thousands of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations.
To collate this list of best nappy bins and buckets, we spoke to our hand-picked panel of Made For Mums home testers to find out which nappy bins they use and why they love them.
When testing nappy bins we look at value for money, cost of refills, capacity of nappies it can hold, ease of use and effectiveness of keeping the smell locked in.
Our list is not an ordered ranking from 1-10, instead it is a carefully selected group of tried-and-tested products, each of which we believe is best for a different situation or requirement. We don’t just tell you what is best, we help you discover what is best for your family.
Here's our pick of the best nappy bins and buckets
1. Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Nappy Disposal Bin, £29.99
– Best for Antibacterial storage
No of nappies stored: 28 per bin | Liners included: One cassette (up to 1 month's worth of refills) | Cost of refills: £38/6 cassettes | Colours: White; Green; Pink; Blue | Awards: Gold – Nappy changing accessory, MadeForMums Awards 2022
With a twisting mechanism that individually wraps each dirty nappy and locks it away inside the bin, the Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Nappy Disposal Bin claims to give maximum hygiene protection.
Simply drop your nappy into the bin and wind the handle to twist and wrap the nappy in the protective bag for odour and germ protection. Then just close it to seal. The antibacterial film kills 99% of dangerous germs on contact, so bacteria and odours can’t escape.
Up to 28 Size 1 nappies can be stored in each bin load. The liner then continues to be used for the next bin load, with each cassette liner holding around 1 month's worth of nappies.
MFM home tester Katherine used this nappy bin and said, "this has to be one of the best investments we've bought. The bags inside are scented so helps to reduce the smell".
Pros: scented bags, antibacterial
Cons: refills are rather expensive
Available from: Mamas & Papas, Amazon, Boots and Tommee Tippee
Refills available from: Boots (3-pack) and Amazon (3-pack)
2. Angelcare Nappy Disposal System, from £19.99
– Best for one-handed nappy disposal
No of nappies stored: Approx. 20 per bin | Liners included: One cassette - 128 liners per cassette | Cost of refills: £14.99/3 cassettes | Colours: White
The Angelcare Nappy Disposal System has a one-handed push and lock system, so once you push the dirty nappy through the hole in the top of the bin, that’s it.
It has 'Air-Seal' technology, designed to keep bad smells at bay, and claims to use up to 4 times less plastic than other nappy bins.
Coming with one liner cassette, each bin load can hold around 20 nappies, with each cassette lasting around a month.
MFM home tester Emma found it "really useful" as she lived in a 3rd floor flat at the time. However, she mentioned how "the refills can be pricey". Jayne, another MFM home tester, who's used the bin for 5 years said, "it was super easy to set up and it's simple and easy to use. I have never had an issue, any leakage of smells."
Pros: one-handed push lock system, uses less plastic, easy to set up and use
Cons: expensive refills
Available from: Mamas & Papas, John Lewis, Amazon and Argos
Refill cassettes available from: Boots (3-pack), Boots (12-pack) and Amazon (3-pack)
3. Korbell Plus Nappy Bin, £39.95
– Best for twins
No of nappies stored: Up to 65 per bin load | Liners included: One pack of liners - 580 liners per pack | Cost of refills: £24.99/3 liners | Colours: White/grey
This large bin is perfect for twins, or more than one child in nappies, as its 26 litre size holds up to 65 nappies per bin load, with each liner lasting for up to 580 nappies.
It’s got a foot pedal and opens at the front for easy removal of the liner once you have filled the bin.
Plus it’s odour-free and it also comes in different sizes. The Mini 9 litre bin holds up to 25 nappies at a time, with each liner lasting for up to 300 nappies, meanwhile, the Standard 15/16 litre bin holds up to 45 nappies at a time, with each liner lasting for up to 495 nappies.
Pros: holds up to 65 nappies, foot pedal for easy use
Cons: Large so takes up space
Available from: Amazon and Uber Kids
Liners available from: Amazon (3-pack), Uber Kids (3-pack)
4. Vital Baby Hygiene Odour-Trap Nappy Disposal System, £40.49
– Best for not needing refills
No of nappies stored: 25 | Liners included: N/A | Cost of refills: N/A | Colours: Grey
Some nappy bins can work out quite expensive when the cost of refills is included. This Vital Baby nappy bin requires no refills, any bag can be used. To help save the planet, you could try biodegradable bin bags and eco-friendly nappies.
The system has been created to lock in unpleasant odours to keep your house smelling fresh and clean with its odour-trap seal.
This nappy bin is also great for reusable nappies, simply pop them in then when the bin is full or you're ready, put them in the wash. MFM home tester Elizabeth likes that it can be used for reusable nappies, "it works really well at containing smells and it can be used for reusable nappies so is very flexible".
Mariyam, another MFM home tester "absolutely loves it!" going on to say it was "easy to empty and no smells would linger in our bedroom".
Pros: no refills needed, can be environmentally-friendly if used with biodegradable bags, locks in odour
Cons: only holds 25 nappies
Available from: Ocado, John Lewis and Amazon
5. Rotho Babydesign TOP Nappy Pail With Lid, from £13
– Best for bright colours
No of nappies stored: About 15-20 disposable or 8-10 cloth nappies | Liners included: use wetbag or regular bin bag | Colours: available in over 15 colours
The pail is available in over 15 modern colours, so you'll definitely find something to suit your changing station or nursery. It can be used for disposable nappies (by adding a regular bin liner) but the lidded bucket also delivers as a dry pail for reusable nappies. The click-close lid can be operated one-handed so you can keep one hand on your baby as you get rid of their nappy, and once closed will keep odours at bay until wash day.
The carry handle makes transporting dirty nappies to the washing machine easy, and the simple polypropylene design is easy to wash between uses, using just soap and water.
Pros: no refills needed, can be used for reusable, one-handed operation
Cons: small and only holds 15-20 nappies
Available from: Amazon and Daisy Baby Shop
6. Junior Joy Nappy Bucket, £9.29
– Best for reusable nappies
No of nappies stored: 12 | Liners included: N/A| Cost of refills: N/A| Colours: Pink, yellow, blue, white and grey
Do you use reusable nappies? This nappy bucket is perfectly designed for storing reusable nappies before washing. Its securely fitting lid is designed to keep nasty odours locked inside.
The lid can be removed using only one hand. The nappy bucket is also durable and easy to clean making it a hygienic place to store reusable nappies.
MFM home tester, Alannah uses the Junior Joy Nappy Bucket and she praised it by saying, "I don't find it smells at all". A very important requirement when searching for a reusable nappy bucket!
Pros: no liners or refills needed, variety of colours
Cons: only holds 12 nappies
Available from: Amazon and The Range
7. Skip Hop Nappy Bin, £70.26
– Best for storing nappy changing essentials
No of nappies stored: 20 | Liners included: N/A| Cost of refills: N/A| Colours: Grey
Make nappy changing easier with the Skip Hop Nappy Bin. All your nappy changing essentials can be stored in one place.
Its odour proof seal and dual air-lock system prevents any nasty odours escaping from the soiled nappies before they are thrown away. It has a child-proof lock to stop children opening up the bin and making a mess.
You can throw the dirty nappy away and grab a fresh new nappy all in one place. It's a great way to keep everything you need in easy reach.
There's no need to buy specific bags for this bin, standard rubbish bags work well.
Pros: storage compartment for nappy essentials, no refills needed
Cons: expensive
Available from: Amazon
8. Munchkin Bagit Portable Disposable Nappy Bin, from £2.40
– Best for travel
No of nappies stored: Up to 30 per bin | Liners included: No | Cost of refills: N/A | Colours: white
This clever design is a full-sized portable nappy bin. It comes in a near-flat circle that can be popped up and filled with up to 30 nappies, then you throw the whole thing away. Sold as a single unit or in packs of five, it offers a slightly more sturdy alternative to just keeping nappy sacks in your changing bag.
This portable unit is a great option for travel if you're short on space until you reach your destination. It also stands up in most car boots so you can fill it up during a long journey, or it could be used as a second nappy bin in the house if you have multiple changing stations on different floors.
Pros: portable
Cons: have to keep re-buying
Available from: Amazon
About the author
Chloe Brightwell is a Digital Reviews Writer working for Immediate Media's Parenting team. She is dedicated to helping parents find the best deals on the very best products.
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FAQs
What bin to use for nappies? ›
Disposable nappies should be placed in your waste bin. Whilst it is possible to recycle disposable nappies it is not a service that is widely available to householders at the moment.
Is it worth having a nappy bin? ›When you're shopping for a new baby, a nappy bin won't be at the top of the list, if at all! Is it necessary to have a bin dedicated to nappies? Unless you're using washable nappies, we'd say yes.
How do I stop my nappies from smelling in the bin? ›Placing a bin liner inside of your nappy bin will help to limit any unpleasant smells from the used nappies. There's a range of liners including plenty of scented ones which will help give your baby's room a nice smell.
Where should I put dirty nappies? ›put each dirty nappy in a nappy sack and put it in the bin - if possible, put it straight in your outdoor bin.
Can you put nappies in a sanitary bin? ›Nappies don't count as usual rubbish by any means and need to go to a specialist waste bin.
Are nappy bins smell proof? ›A nappy bin allows you to dispose of nappies quickly and easily. Some of the very best nappy bins and buckets even have scented liners or are designed to be as airtight as possible so there's no worries about your nappy bin stinking out the place.
What can I use instead of a nappy bin? ›If you don't have a handy nappy bin, you can always wrap your baby's nappy up in a Ziploc bag or any bag you have lying around.
Do you put wipes in nappy bin? ›Can I put my used baby wipes into the nappy bucket? Yes you can store your used reusable baby wipes in your nappy bucket along with your nappies. They will be washed together. If you use disposable baby wipes these must be put in the rubbish bin as they are not designed to be washed.
What can I use instead of nappy sacks? ›Backpacks: a great alternative to traditional diaper bags that are easy to use, don't hurt your shoulder, and often hold more–and better!
How many dirty nappies should you have in the first 24 hours? ›From day 5 onwards, wet nappies should start to become more frequent, with at least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours. In the first 48 hours, your baby is likely to have only 2 or 3 wet nappies.
How do you dispose of dirty diapers in public? ›
Individuals can dispose of the diaper in the plane's bathroom trash or a public trash receptacle after exiting. Always be sure to wash hands after handling a soiled diaper.
How often should you change a dirty diaper? ›Every baby is unique, and how often your little one “goes” can vary from day to day. The general rule of thumb when it comes to how often you should be changing diapers is about every two to three hours if he's a newborn, and less frequently as he gets older.
How do you store poopy diapers? ›You can store dirty diapers in diaper pail, diaper bin, or a large wet bag until you have your wash day. The Bayrli Deluxe Hanging wet bag is the perfect hanging diaper bag and will hold enough nappies to hold you over until you have to wash your diapers.
How can I hide my dirty diaper smell? ›- First up, flush it away! ...
- Consider zip-loc bags.
- Take out the trash as quickly as possible.
- Use a small trash can to motivate yourself.
- Pop something in the bottom of the pail. ...
- Baking soda is your friend.
Squirt castile soap (or any dish soap) all over the interior and exterior of your diaper pail. Sprinkle baking soda all over the interior of your diaper genie to neutralize the bad odors. Let sit for about five minutes to let the soap and baking soda penetrate.
How often do sanitary bins need to be emptied? ›Sanitary bins should be sanitised, cleaned and serviced on a regular basis – either monthly or bi-weekly. If bins are used more regularly, they should be emptied more regularly, in order to maintain hygienic and safe bathrooms.
Do you legally have to have sanitary bins? ›What are the workplace regulations for sanitary bins? The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 specify that all businesses must provide a suitable means for disposing of sanitary products in each ladies washroom.
Can nappies go in brown bin? ›WHAT CAN I NOT PUT IN MY BROWN BIN? Glass, metal, plastic, rubber, textiles, nappies, soil, rubble, or any other non-food types of waste.
Is there a bin that does not smell? ›The HAILO Fresh L ensures you get an odourless bathroom. Simply close the lid, and the odour disappears. Here is a waste bin that works brilliantly and looks good at the same time. The days of unpleasant smells in your bathroom are over forever!
How do you change a nappy without spreading germs? ›Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing your baby's nappy, as well as after disposing of the dirty nappy and cleaning the changing mat, to help prevent the spread of germs.
Should you wipe at every nappy change? ›
Constant residues of urine on baby skin have the potential to interact with poop and accelerate damage to the skin barrier. To help minimize the interaction between urine and poop residues on baby's skin, it is important to effectively clean baby's skin at every diaper change.
Should I use baby wipes after pooping? ›In such cases, you can use baby wipes or wet wipes that are gentler on the skin. Try to avoid overuse of these, as they can worsen irritation over time. Or, wet toilet paper or a wet washcloth can usually do the trick.
Can I use a normal backpack as a nappy bag? ›Can I use any bag as a diaper bag? Many handbags and backpacks can double as diaper bags. Some parents choose to use a large bag they already have and just buy a diaper bag insert organizer so they have more pockets and organization inside their bag.
Why do people use nappy sacks? ›Nappy sacks are disposable, often perfumed, plastic bags into which soiled nappies are placed after removal from babies and prior to disposal. They tend to be made of very thin coloured plastic.
Are nappies hazardous waste? ›No, nappies are not hazardous waste. Nappies class as non-hazardous clinical waste or sanitary waste in most cases, when businesses need to arrange collection, removal, and disposal. They're often referred to as offensive waste too – as they normally have an unpleasant sight and smell but are not hazardous.
What is the best way to dispose of biodegradable nappies? ›- you learn to do it at home and use the soil in your garden.
- take your used nappies to an industrial composting facility.
- use a nappy disposal service to take the used nappies to the facility for you.
WHAT CAN I NOT PUT IN MY BROWN BIN? Glass, metal, plastic, rubber, textiles, nappies, soil, rubble, or any other non-food types of waste.
How often should sanitary bins be changed? ›Sanitary bins should be sanitised, cleaned and serviced on a regular basis – either monthly or bi-weekly. If bins are used more regularly, they should be emptied more regularly, in order to maintain hygienic and safe bathrooms.
How long do nappies last in landfill? ›This is a lot of landfill, with conventional disposable nappies estimated to take up to 150 years to break down.
How do you dispose of baby nappies at home? ›Don't forget to dump any solid matter from the diaper into a toilet first, and wrap the diaper tightly in it before you throw it away. PS. You can use baking soda in your home trash bin to curb the odour and help keep them smelling fresh.
Are there any 100% biodegradable nappies? ›
Whilst there isn't a 100% biodegradable nappy yet, we celebrate brands like Eco By Naty using 60% plant-based and biodegradable materials for their vegan and OEKO-TEX certified nappies. Certified B Corp Mama Bamboo's 80% compostable content and 100% compostable packaging make for some of the best biodegradable nappies.
How long do nappies take to decompose? ›It's estimated that disposable nappies take up to 500 years to decompose. Your child's poo will still be sitting in some nappy in a refuse site somewhere when, not only you, but also your children and grandchildren are no longer here.
What can I put in my panda brown bin? ›Compost: Your compost bin can hold kitchen food scraps, fruits, vegetables, bread, cakes, biscuits, eggs and dairy, out of date food, plant trimmings, cooked and raw foods, tea leaves, tea bags, meat, fish, poultry and bones, grass clippings, leaves, cut flowers, and old plants. Please check out our list.
Can I put glass in my panda green bin? ›Contaminated waste in green bins will include glass, clothes, nappies, food and garden waste, aeroboard, polystyrene, Styrofoam, electrical equipment, batteries, liquids, oil, plastic film, bags (unless empty) fluorescent bulbs and tubes and bulbs.
Which nappies are most biodegradable? ›- Bambo Nature Eco Friendly Premium Nappies for Sensitive Skin. ...
- Kit & Kin Eco Nappies Size 6 Hypoallergenic and Sustainable (26 x 4 Packs, 104 Nappies) ...
- Mum & You Nappychat Eco-Nappies. ...
- Eco by Naty. ...
- Mama Bamboo Eco-Friendly Natural Bamboo Newborn Nappies. ...
- Eco Friendly Nappies Bulk Box | 6 Packs.