The Dutch government plans to apply polluter-pays rules to disposable diapers and incontinence products as part of its push toward a circular economy.
Under the proposal, a mandatory return system would require diaper manufacturers to establish and run a national collection network.
The policy could add hundreds of euros in annual costs for young families and older adults.
Target to collect a quarter of diapers
The plan sets a target to collect at least a quarter of used diapers separately within five years.
Specialised waste firms would then process the collected material to recover plastics and cellulose.
The scheme has drawn concern from Nefemed, the federation of medical device importers.
Representative Michiel van Campen questioned whether people with incontinence living at home should be expected to carry used products to drop-off points.
Figures from Statistics Netherlands show Dutch municipalities collected nearly 8.2 billion kilograms of household waste in 2025, with disposable diapers making up an increasing share.
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