When you've got a baby in the house, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of dirty nappies your little angel gets through in just one day. Here, we take a look at the best nappy bins around, considering their ease of use, capacity, eco-friendliness, and, of course, the all-important price.
You might be wondering what the point of a nappy bin is and how it differs from a normal bin. The quick answer is it locks away the odour and keeps all the nasty bits away from little hands. For the longer answer, read on...
What are nappy bins?
Nappy bins are specifically designed to safely contain dirty nappies and trap the smell, so you don't have to fill up your kitchen bin with dozens of nappies. There are many different types of nappy bins and buckets available, some of which feature a handy design that can be operated with just one hand – very convenient if you've got a wriggly baby in one hand and a dirty nappy in the other!
Whether you've decided to use disposable nappies or try the more eco-friendly approach with reusables, you're bound to find a nappy bin or bucket that works for you.
To make life with a newborn a little bit easier, we've rounded up our favourite nappy disposal systems on the market for you to choose from – from nappy bins to nappy buckets.
What are nappy bin refills?
The majority will use refills, usually in the form of cartridges, which just slot into the bin. However, there are some models which can use a normal bin liner. Of course, if you go down the resuable nappy route, then you can also use mesh bags instead of the bin bags. Mesh bags allow you to throw all the nappies straight into the wash without having to handle them a second time.
How do nappy bins work?
All you need to do is change your baby's nappy, roll it up, and pop it in the nappy bin. Nice and easy!
Remember that the suggested usage the manufacturer gives you will be based on Size 1 nappies, so the bins will obviously contain fewer as your baby increases in nappy size.
The best nappy bins in 2024 at a glance:
The best nappy bins in 2024
Best overall nappy bin
This nappy bin was Shortlisted Best Product for a Newborn - 0-4 months at the Mother&Baby Awards 2021
With dirty nappies comes bad smells, germs and bacteria. The Vital Baby® HYGIENE™ odour-trap® nappy disposal system has been carefully developed to lock in unpleasant aromas to keep the nursery smelling clean and fresh.Unlike other nappy disposal systems, no refills, cassettes, or even specially sized bags are required. Any plastic bag is compatible. The system will hold up to 25 nappies, saving multiple trips to the bin, meaning more time to spend with your baby. The Vital Baby® HYGIENE™ odour-trap® nappy disposal system is simple to assemble, empty and clean. It's the convenient and easy way to dispose of dirty nappies.
One reviewer said: "The unit looks very sturdy, and is so easy to use. Hopefully it will be well used to the benefit of all who use the changing room. To date no evidence of ‘smell’ coming from the unit which is a bonus. Also the fact you can use a variety of inner bags (not expensive custom made ones) is a second bonus. Heartily recommend this for others to avoid ‘smelly’ toilets."
Read our full review of the Vital Baby® HYGIENE Odour-Trap Nappy Disposal System from real mum testers here
Pros
- Can be used with any plastic bag
- Traps smell effectively
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some parents might find it pricey
| <strong>Size:</strong> | 26.1 x 25 x 49 cm |
| <strong>Bin capacity:</strong> | 25 nappies |
| <strong>Refill cartridges:</strong> | No |
| <strong>Can use regular bin liners:</strong> | Yes |
Best nappy bin for odour control and durability
If you’re looking for a nappy bin that really does the job, the Ubbi Steel Odour Locking Nappy Disposal Bin is a game-changer. Don’t just take our word for it – it's been tried and tested by over 2500 Amazon users and has a 4.5-star rating.
We chose this as the best nappy bin for odour control and durability because it’s made of steel, which means it locks in odours way better than plastic ones. No more nasty smells wafting through the nursery. Plus, you don’t need to buy any nappy bags – you can use regular trash bags, which is a huge money saver.
It's super easy to use – just drop the nappy in, close the lid, and you’re done. The childproof lock is a great feature too, keeping curious little hands out. It’s a bit on the pricey side and heavier because of the steel, but honestly, the odour control makes it totally worth it. You can even choose from 15 colours so it fits perfectly in your nursery decor.
One reviewer said: “I recently purchased the Ubbi diaper bin and I am impressed with its quality. The sturdy construction and sleek design make it a perfect fit in any nursery. One of the standout features is its exceptional ability to lock in unpleasant odors, thanks to its effective sealing mechanism. I love that it doesn't require any special bin liners, which not only saves money but also reduces environmental waste. The Ubbi diaper bin has made diaper changing a much more pleasant experience, and I highly recommend it to parents looking for a reliable and efficient diaper disposal solution.”
Pros
- Made of steel, which helps contain odours better than plastic
- No special bags required, can use any standard trash bag
- Childproof lock
Cons
- More expensive than other nappy bins
- Steel construction makes it heavier
| Product Dimensions | 28.96 x 21.34 x 49.53 cm; 2.34 kg |
| Material Type | Stainless Steel |
| Additional product features | Childproof Lock, Sliding Lid, Odour Seal, Sturdy, Quiet Close |
Best nappy bin for cost-effectiveness and simplicity
If you’re after something budget-friendly yet effective, the Chicco Nappy Bin Odour Proof System is a fantastic option. Chosen by parents, this bin has been reviewed by over 3500 Amazon users and has a 4.4-star rating. It uses regular trash bags, which means no more spending extra on specific refills. It’s really easy to use – just drop the nappy in, and the odour-proof system ensures that smells are locked in tight.
It might not have the sleekest design, but it’s super practical with its larger capacity, so you won’t need to empty it as often. Plus, it’s great for keeping the nursery odour-free without breaking the bank.
One reviewer said: "Great product! It costs a bit more, but you can use normal bin bags, making it much cheaper in the long run. There's no seepage of smell, and it's so easy to use."
Pros
- Uses conventional bags, no need for special refills
- Odour proof system effectively contains smells
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Simpler design might not appeal to everyone
- Larger size might take up more space
- Large capacity: up to 25 nappies
- Can be used with standard bin liners
- No additional cost for cartridges
Best nappy bin for eco-friendliness and hygiene
For those of us who are eco-conscious, the Shnuggle Eco-Touch Baby Nappy Diaper Bin is perfect. It uses biodegradable liners, which makes it a great green choice. Not only does it trap odours effectively, but it also keeps germs and bacteria at bay, ensuring a hygienic environment for your little one. Its sleek, modern design looks amazing in any nursery.
Using it is a breeze – just pop the nappy in and close the lid. Refilling the liners is straightforward, although they can be a bit more expensive. The bin’s smaller capacity means you might be emptying it more often, but the eco-friendly benefits make up for it.
One reviewer said: "This bin has a high-quality finish and materials. It fits together snugly with a good seal, ensuring no smell escapes. It's really useful, although a bit expensive."
Pros
- Uses eco-friendly bin liners
- Effectively traps odours, germs, and bacteria
- Sleek, modern design
Cons
- Bin liners can be more expensive
- Smaller capacity compared to other bins
| <strong>Product Dimensions</strong> | 36 x 25 x 43 cm; 1.94 kg |
Editors choice for best nappy bin
The Angelcare Nappy Disposal System features a push and lock system, a multi-layer film in the cassette and one handed operation. With effective odour-barrier technology, all smells should stay contained within the bin to make for a happier, more fragrant home.
Although this bin requires refill cartridges, it is also possible to buy refills for the cartridges, saving a bit of money.
One reviewer said: "Bought this within a week of the birth of my son, and it's been absolutely essential. Simple unobtrusive design, easy to clean, does the job well. Wish it was a bit bigger, but now that my son is six months old, we still get 5-6 days use out of it before having to empty it. Really does prevent the smells - which is important with the summer coming on. We have fortnightly refuse collections, and there's a waiting list for the nappy bin service from our local authority, so don't think we'd be able to survive without this."
Pros
- Simple design
- Traps smell
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Average capacity
- Needs refill cartridges
| <strong>Size:</strong> | 28.5 x 25 x 41.5 cm |
| <strong>Bin capacity:</strong> | 20 - 30 nappies |
| <strong>Refill cartridges:</strong> | Yes |
| <strong>Can use regular bin liners:</strong> | No |
Best eco-friendly nappy bin
This Amazon best seller makes nappy changing quick, easy and clean - and we know the Tommee Tippee brand well, so we can trust this is a quality product.
This Tommee Tippee Twist and Click Advanced Nappy Disposal bin holds up to 28 nappies, has an antibacterial greenfilm and is a great option if you're looking to use less plastic. The Tommee Tippee nappy bin refill cassettes are made from 98 per cent recycled plastic, the antibacterial film is sustainably sourced and the plastic is fully recyclable. Other features to the bin include twist and wrap to eliminate unpleasant smells, space-saving and stylish design.
One reviewer said: "We thought it was a gimmick but are so glad we made this purchase. The trash can is next to the changing table and it does not take up much space and is very practical. The smell of diapers is actually cut off. After 6 months we have to buy a refill pack (We spent 2 months without using it so allow maybe 4 months for an infant). I bought my first refills when my baby was 6 months old and I plan to use this trash for the next ones!"
Pros
- Antibacterial greenfilm
- More eco friendly
- Traps smell
Cons
- Average capacity
- Needs refill cartridges
| <strong>Size:</strong> | 29.7 x 26.2 x 39 cm |
| <strong>Bin capacity:</strong> | Up to 28 nappies |
| <strong>Refill cartridges:</strong> | Yes |
| <strong>Can use regular bin liners:</strong> | No |
Best nappy bin for reusable nappies
Simple and practical with a lockable lid to keep your little one's hands out, this bin is perfect if you're using reusable nappies. It comes with laundry bags, perfect for popping in the washing machine and fills enough for a good load of washing. Sealing any smells inside the bucket is considered essential if you're using cloth nappies, and it can contain up to a full load of dirty nappies ready for washing.
One reviewer said: "Such a simple but massively helpful product for reusable nappies. When the bin is full I just stick the whole nappy bag in the washer so I don't need to touch used nappies twice. I am very pleased that I found a simple way to make reusable nappies easy. Although the cost is a little steep for a plastic bucket- it is worth it for a system that works."
Pros
- Comes with laundry bags
- Traps smell
- Can contain a full load of nappies
Cons
- Smaller capacity than others on the market
| <strong>Size:</strong> | 33 x 33 x 33 cm |
| <strong>Bin capacity:</strong> | 12 - 15 nappies |
| <strong>Refill cartridges:</strong> | No |
| <strong>Can use regular bin liners:</strong> | No - It comes with reusable laundry bags. |
This is another great option for environmentally conscious parents who are committed to reusable nappies. Hygienic, stylish and with a practical handle for easy carrying, you can't go wrong with this 10-litre bucket, which can fit up to 25 nappies at a time and is odour-proof due to the strong lid.
One reviewer said: "After many searches and review trawling, (I) settled on this product, due to its more eco-friendly material. It's a great size, holds scents in well and is easy to clean when necessary!"
Pros
- Large capacity
- Traps smell
- Easy to clean
| <strong>Size:</strong> | 27.94 x 27.94 x 30.48 cm |
| <strong>Bin capacity:</strong> | 25 nappies |
| <strong>Refill cartridges:</strong> | No |
| <strong>Can use regular bin liners:</strong> | Yes |
Best classic nappy bin
With a foot pedal that you can press to open the lid, this nappy bin from Korbell is a brilliant choice when you're holding your baby in your arms. The sleek design will fit in any home and it has a three-part approach to lock in odours: a sealed spring-loaded trap door that immediately shuts after nappies are passed through, a top lid that when shut, acts as a secondary seal, and a lightly fragranced liner to mask bad odours. We love the double-sealing system which helps keeps curious little hands away too.
One reviewer said: "A handy product that is easy to open (with the foot), and has a second little lid that protects well against smells. The second lid can be locked which helps with baby explorations! The bags are easy to manipulate and dispose."
Pros
- Handy foot pedal
- Three-part system to lock in odours
- Very large capacity
Cons
- Needs refill cartridges
- Price
| <strong>Size:</strong> | 54.6 x 31.3 x 22 cm |
| <strong>Bin capacity:</strong> | 45 nappies |
| <strong>Refill cartridges:</strong> | Yes |
| <strong>Can use regular bin liners:</strong> | No |
Things to look for when buying a nappy bin
Nappy bins come in all shapes and sizes, literally, so it's important to know what to look for when you're choosing one. Think about where you plan to have it. The capacity will obviously affect how quickly it will fill up, so how easy is it to get to your outside bin?
Are you eco-conscious? If you are, then you might find you want to look at the reusable nappies and the nappy buckets available. Alternatively, it might be the lock and twist system that appeals to you, locking away the smell.
Most use liners or cartridges, so it's important to check how they work before you buy - you'll need to factor in the cost of the cartridges and make sure it suits your budget.
Are nappy bins worth It?
We think so! A nappy bin might seem an odd purchase; why not just take the disposable nappy out to the dustbin when you change your baby's nappy? Does a nappy bin really save you that much time? We found it does and we know when you've got a newborn, every second counts. If you shave a few seconds off your day by only having to make the trip to the bin once, instead of 15 times, it soon adds up to be a useful buy. This is especially useful if your baby is poorly, or if the weather is terrible.
Plus, the ones we've selected in our guide have odour-trapping abilities, to keep nasty smells away, and anti-bacterial properties to keep everything sanitised.
Are nappy bins safe?
Nappy bins are perfectly safe so long as you always make sure your baby can't reach in and help themselves to dirty nappies. Keep them out of reach of little hands at all times, and make sure the plastic bags or liners aren't within grabbing reach.
How often should nappy bins be emptied?
The frequency of emptying a nappy bin depends on its size, how many nappies your baby goes through in a day, and the bin's capacity. Generally, smaller bins may need to be emptied every one to two days, while larger bins can go a few days before needing to be emptied. It's essential to check the bin regularly, especially during warmer weather when odours can intensify more quickly.
How do I stop my baby’s nappies from smelling in the bin?
While the primary purpose of a nappy bin is to conceal poop odours, ensuring they never leak smells is crucial. For instance, purchasing a low-quality nappy bin or not emptying it regularly can impact its effectiveness.
To prevent nappies from smelling in the bin, follow these practical tips:
1. Invest in a quality nappy bin
Choose a nappy bin specifically designed to trap odours effectively. High-quality bins typically have tight seals and mechanisms to lock in odours, preventing foul smell from leaking out.
2. Use appropriate bin liners or refills
Many nappy bins require specific liners or refills that are designed to contain odours. Using these as intended by the brand helps maintain the bin’s effectiveness in trapping smells.
3. Wrap each nappy securely
Before disposing of a wet or soiled nappy in the bin, ensure it is securely wrapped or sealed. Some nappy disposal systems wrap each nappy individually, which helps to contain odours effectively.
4. Empty the bin regularly
Don’t postpone regularly emptying the bin. Avoid letting nappies accumulate for too long. Empty the bin routinely, especially as it nears capacity or during warmer weather when odours can intensify.
5. Clean and maintain the bin
Periodically clean the nappy bin with mild soap and water to remove any residual odours or bacteria.
6. Avoid storing soiled nappies for long
If possible, avoid storing soiled nappies in the bin for extended periods. This can help prevent odours from developing and spreading.
Which one is the best nappy bin?
We reckon you'll be good to go with any of the bins selected in our list but we really rate the Vital Baby® HYGIENE Odour-Trap Nappy Disposal System as it ensures unpleasant aromas are locked away, holds a good amount of nappies and you don't need to buy any expensive refill bags. Bonus!
How Mother&Baby selected the best nappy bins
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers, and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well. Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.
For the essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
About the author
Anna Sky Magliola is a freelance writer for Mother&Baby and has worked for Bauer Media (Mother&Baby's parent company) for 16 years as a digital editor. She's a mum to a three-year-old girl who is a big Disney fan.