From Waste to Worth: Turning Diapers into Sustainable Solutions

Innovation from Makerere College School is proving that even the dirtiest waste can spark clean, sustainable change.

Background

With the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Uganda, project work has become a compulsory component for all learners. The aim is to move beyond rote learning and cultivate innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills. To complement this, SESEMAT conducts annual science fairs, giving learners a platform to showcase practical solutions to real-life challenges.

In the Kampala SESEMAT region, Makerere College School has been at the forefront of this innovation drive. One urgent issue the learners tackled is waste management, particularly the growing problem of disposable diapers. An average child uses 3–4 diapers every single day, generating thousands of tons of waste annually. Unfortunately, diapers are made of non-biodegradable materials, especially the super absorbent polymer (SAP) and plastic layers, making them extremely difficult to decompose or burn without releasing toxic emissions.

• Landfills filling up at unsustainable rates
• Diapers dumped in drainage systems, causing floods and blocked sewers
• Foul odours and health hazards in communities
• Long-term pollution since diapers can take hundreds of years to break down

At Makerere College School, we asked ourselves: Could the very waste that pollutes our environment become the raw material for innovation?

The Innovation: Animal Bedding from Diapers

Our project focuses on repurposing urine-soiled disposable diapers into safe, absorbent, and eco-friendly animal bedding. By recycling a material that would otherwise choke the environment, we are addressing waste management while providing a low-cost solution for farmers and pet owners.

How It Works

• Collection & Sorting – We collect only urine-soiled diapers, minimizing contamination risks.
• Sanitization – The diapers are disinfected using hot water, steam, or mild eco-friendly chemicals.
• Separation – We separate the absorbent core (fluff pulp and SAP) from plastic and elastic components.
• Processing – The core is shredded, fluffed, dried, and repackaged.

End Product – A soft, odour-free, highly absorbent bedding ideal for poultry, rabbits, pets, and livestock.

Why It Matters

• Environmental Impact: Reduces the burden on landfills and minimizes illegal dumping.
• Animal Welfare: Provides clean, dry, and comfortable bedding, which improves animal health and productivity.
• Sustainability: Promotes a circular economy by transforming waste into a useful product.
• Community Benefit: Creates awareness and inspires more innovative waste management solutions.

The Bigger Picture

This project demonstrates that waste is not just waste—it is a resource waiting to be transformed. By tackling one of the most stubborn waste streams, we are not only protecting the environment but also supporting agriculture and promoting sustainability in our communities.

At Makerere College School, we believe that innovation starts with responsibility. Our initiative proves that even the dirtiest waste can be turned into something clean, useful, and impactful.

Video link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h02I6FQkT3x8gyERsJC0VhaAyHLUUFp9/view?usp=drivesdk