Adult Diaper Waste in Landfills: A Critical Review of Systemic Failure and Pragmatic Pathways

Gulnaziya Issabayeva; Karen Mee Chu Wong; Boon Han Lim; Siew Hoong Shuit; Hui San Thiam; Woon Chan Chong

doi:10.55845/joce-2026-41345

Authors

Gulnaziya Issabayeva Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Bdr Sg Long, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9845-4005
Karen Mee Chu Wong Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Bdr Sg Long, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8240-1187
Boon Han Lim Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Bdr Sg Long, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8059-9014
Siew Hoong Shuit Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Bdr Sg Long, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3379-6597
Hui San Thiam Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Bdr Sg Long, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8952-4630
Woon Chan Chong Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sungai Long Campus, Bdr Sg Long, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3456-4192

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55845/joce-2026-41345

Keywords:

Adult Diaper, Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPs) , Incontinence Products, Waste-to-Energy (WtE), Pyrolysis, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Landfill

Abstract

The increasing use of adult incontinence products, driven by global demographic aging, constitutes a major under-addressed waste stream. Our objective was to address this growing problem through a dedicated critical review focused specifically on adult incontinence product waste. A systematic search (PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar; 2020–2025) following a modified PRISMA framework identified 20 studies for thematic synthesis. We outline the persistent synthetic composition of adult diapers and their predominant landfill disposal due to regulatory and infrastructure deficiencies. Critical evaluation of LCA and recycling studies revealed that no recycling process has yet reached technological maturity. Based on our evaluation, we propose a pragmatic framework encompassing: (1) policy intervention to mandate landfill diversion; (2) public education to promote separate disposal; and (3) investment in scalable thermal treatment technologies such as Waste-to-Energy incineration with Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage and pyrolysis. Robust Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, coupled with innovative global funding mechanisms, are necessary to enable sustainable AHP waste management in developing countries.

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