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Discover the 8 best nappy bins to keep your home hygienic and fragrant
Nappy smells causing a stink in your home? Make nappy changes a breeze and eradicate nasty whiffs with our pick of the best nappy bins, as recommended by Mumsnet parents.
By Louise Baty | Last updated Mar 26, 2024
Did you know babies can get through around two thousand nappies in their first year alone? In an attempt to eliminate the smell of disposable nappies, you may find yourself bagging up each soiled nappy and heading straight to your outdoor wheelie bin. While they can of course be chucked into your bathroom or kitchen bin, a more practical (and less stinky) solution, maybe to invest in a specially designed nappy bin or a nappy bucket, offering a convenient and hygienic way to store soiled nappies and seal in unwelcome smells until you are ready to empty them. You can even get nappy bins for reusable nappies, providing a safe and hygienic place to store them until wash day.
To bring you our definitive list of the best nappy bins you can buy today, we first sought authentic tried and tested recommendations from the Mumsnet Talk forums - the largest network of parents in the UK, before researching expert advice and wider consumer reviews for the products on our shortlist.
While not essential, many Mumsnet users raved about nappy bins - especially those who live in flats or apartments, praising them for their convenience and ability to seal in odours. We collated feedback on the products Mumsnet users rate and would recommend to others and including the features they felt were important to consider before you buy. For example:
How many nappies can the nappy bin hold?
How easy is it to use?
Does it require specialist refills or can you use any bin bag or liner?
How does it look inside your home or nursery?
Baby changing is a messy and thankless business, and Mumsnetters know from experience how much of a difference the right product can make. Whether it's the best changing bag to contain all your essentials, the best changing mat for easy clean-ups or protecting your baby's bottom with the best baby wipes and best nappy rash cream around, we've got you covered with our in-depth roundups based on authentic recommendations.
Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Advanced Sangenic Nappy Disposal Bin
Large capacity
The ingenious twist-and-secure mechanism to lock used nappies away and eliminate smells
Anti-bacterial film kills 99% germs
Must use Tommee Tippee own refill cassettes
Price: £15 | Size: 29.7 x 26.2 x 39cm | Bin capacity: Up to 30 nappies | Refill cartridges: Yes | Can use regular bin liners: No
The only nappy bin to twist and individually wrap each nappy, Mumsnet users really rate Tommee Tippee’s Sangenic Nappy Bin with its hygienic and easy-to-use ‘click and twist’ system. One of the main selling points is the Sangenic multi-layer, anti-bacterial film, which kills 99% of all dangerous germs such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while successfully sealing in unwelcome odours.
Recent improvements to the design make Tommee Tippees Advanced Sangenic Nappy Bin more environmentally friendly than many other bins for disposable nappies, now using bio-based sugarcane GREENFILM and refill cassettes that are made from 98% recycled plastic.
Despite its compact and slimline design, the generous 2-litre capacity can hold up to 28 bins at a time, meaning you’ll be heading to the outside bin far less often. It is worth noting however that while the bin comes with one refill pack included, it is only compatible with Tommee Tippee’s refill cassettes. At £13.50 for three refills, each lasting around a month, you’ll need to factor in the cost of purchasing replacements going forward.
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Cheap
Can use standard bin bags
Various colours to choose from
It doesn't lock out odours as effectively as other nappy bins
Price: £13 | Size: 31 x 27 x 29.5 cm/10 litres | Bin capacity: 25 nappies | Refill cartridges: No | Can use regular bin liners: Yes
Suitable for both disposable or reusable nappies, the sturdy and traditional Rotho nappy pail makes a budget-friendly choice. With an affordable price tag, it can also be used with any standard bin bag liners, meaning there’s no need to shell out for pricey refills.
The relatively simple design comes in a choice of three colour options - Apple Green, Cool Blue and Stone Grey, allowing you to match your nappy bin to the colour scheme of your nursery. Created with practicality in mind, it has a strong lid with indented grips, making it easy to open and close - even using one hand.
The 10-litre capacity allows the Rotho to store up to 25 nappies at a time. It doesn’t individually seal each one, however, so while it can contain odours to a degree, you may find it best to empty it every couple of days.
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Holds up to 50 nappies
Steel design locks in odour
Childproof design
It can be used with traditional bin liners
Expensive
Price: £80 | Size: 28.9 x 21.3 x 49.5cm/59 litres | Bin capacity: 50 nappies | Refill cartridges: No | Can use regular bin liners: Yes
Can a nappy bin really be stylish? Yes, it can. The Ubbi Nappy Disposal Bin may not come cheap, but this award-winning nappy bin comes in several stylish different colours – including Sage Green, Blush Pink, Chrome, Marble, Woodgrain and Slate – so you’re sure to find something that matches your home decor.
With a large capacity capable of housing up to 50 dirty nappies, the Ubbi Nappy Disposal Bin truly excels in stopping nasty smells. Made of sturdy steel rather than plastic, it has a damper mechanism for an airtight closure, ensuring smells stay firmly inside and won’t stink out your surroundings. The sliding lid also minimises air disruption, while the child lock helps keep out those curious little hands for additional peace of mind.
While the initial purchase may be pricey, we love that the Ubbi doesn’t require special refills, helping you save money in the long term by using regular bin bags.
Read next:The best potties and toilet training seats to buy, as tested by parents
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Hands-free option
Can use normal bin bags
Use as a normal bin once no longer needed for nappies
Not as efficient at eliminating smells as bespoke nappy bins
Price: £26 | Size: 33 x 26.6 x 32.8cm/12 litres | Bin capacity: Approximately 25 nappies | Refill cartridges: No | Can use regular bin liners: Yes
Sometimes, it’s good to think outside the box, so just because you’re looking for a bin to stash your nappies, doesn’t mean you actually need a nappy bin.
This 12-litre stainless steel pedal bin isn’t designed specifically for nappies, however, it makes a great value choice, storing up to 25 nappies at a time. While the initial outlay is more than other nappy bins such as the Angelcare Nappy Disposal System (below), It can be used with any standard bin bag, without the need for pricey replacement refills. It can also be used for a far longer duration, repurposing as a stylish kitchen bin once your child has mastered potty training.
Mumsnet users love the pedal on the Tramontina 12L Stainless Steel Pedal Bin allowing it to be used completely hands-free use - a welcome feature when you’re holding your baby. It may not seal in smells quite as well as a specialist nappy bin, however with a sturdy stainless steel exterior, it’s surprisingly impressive at preventing odours escaping.
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Reasonably priced and includes refills
Easy to use one-handed
Have to use Angelcare refill cassettes
Price: £15 | Size: 28.5 x 25 x 41.5cm | Bin capacity: 20 to 30 nappies | Refill cartridges: Yes | Can use regular bin liners: No
Like the Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Advanced Nappy Disposal Bin, this Angelcare nappy bin features a push-and-lock system so that you can lock away nasty smells. It’s also really easy to use one-handed - simply push the used nappy through the clamp system and it automatically disappears into the multi-layer bag below. All nappies in the Angelcare are then locked away so you won't have to touch (or smell) them ever again, while the multi-layer film in the cassette provides effective odour-barrier technology. Phew!
One downside to consider - the Angelcare has to be used with special refills designed specifically for this nappy bin, with three refill cassettes for £16 or a value pack of six for £29.99. On the plus side, however, each refill cassette holds up to 120 nappies in six sealed sections, using less plastic than wrapping each nappy individually.
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Lockable lid keeps little hands at bay
Eco-friendly
It does not have a huge capacity compared to other nappy bins
Price: £16 | Size: 26 x 25 x 26cm | Bin capacity: 12 to 15 nappies | Refill cartridges: N/A | Can use regular bin liners: N/A
If you’re using reusable nappies, you’ll want an eco-friendly way to stash them away until washing day. The Bambino Nappy Bucket makes a practical pre-wash solution, with a child-safe lockable lid that successfully contains smells.
Whilst it can be used without liners, we recommend hooking in a reusable Bambino Mio laundry bag for more hygienic use. Once the laundry bag is full, you can then simply remove the bag from the nappy bucket and pop it straight into your washing machine without needing to handle any soiled nappies.
For convenience, Mumsnet users recommend using reusable nappies with removable, washable liners. After disposing of as much of the contents as possible in the loo, you can safely stash them away in the nappy bin, storing them securely until you have a full load for your washing machine.
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Large capacity
Seals off nasty smells
Easy to change
Can't use regular bin liners
Pricey
Price: £60 | Size: 16 litres | Bin capacity: 45 nappies | Refill cartridges: No | Can use regular bin liners: No
Easy to use while holding your baby, the practical Korbell Classic Nappy Bin has an integrated foot pedal that allows completely hands-free use.
Made from durable and hardwearing plastic, the substantial 16-litre capacity can hold up to 45 nappies at a time. It comes preloaded with a biodegradable liner, as well as three additional refills to get you started. Each liner lasts around 10 weeks (or up to 495 nappies) so while the initial purchase doesn’t come cheap, the starter pack has you covered for the vast majority of your baby’s first year.
Super effective at keeping nasty smells at bay, the Korbell bin uses a three-part odour control system including a sealed spring-loaded door (which automatically shuts after nappies pass through it), a secure top lid and fragranced liners to mask unpleasant whiffs.
No need for liners or refill cartridges
Holds up to 25 nappies
Odour trap seal
More costly than some
Price on writing: £40 | Size: 26 x 26.5 x 51.5cm | Bin capacity: 25 nappies | Refill cartridges: No | Can use regular bin liners: Yes
Saving parents time and money, the Vital Baby Hygiene Odour-Trap Nappy Disposal System can be used with any bin bag liner regardless of its size or thickness, meaning you won’t be restricted to a particular brand or made to purchase costly refill cartridges.
Holding up to 25 soiled nappies at a time, this easy-to-use nappy disposal system can easily be operated with one hand, simply rotate the handle to open the shoot, before returning to its original position to drop your nappies into the bin below.
With a unique and patented seal, it offers impressive odour protection until it’s a convenient time to empty the contents. Cleaning couldn't be easier too, simply removing the entire lid, lifting out the bag and wiping down the smooth surfaces with antibacterial spray. We love Vital Baby’s classic white design, but the recently launched sage green is also sure to be a hit in modern homes and nurseries.
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Is it worth buying a nappy bin?
Are nappy bins really essential? Like so many aspects of parenting life, nappy bins tend to divide opinion. Some parents say that they can’t live without one and regard it as an essential baby kit purchase, while others say they just aren’t necessary.
If you’re using reusable nappies, then somewhere to store the dirty ones until you have enough for a wash is essential. Some users recommend zipped bags that you can put straight into the washing machine, rather than using a nappy bin. They particularly like ones with a hook.
If you’re using disposable nappies, nappy bins are particularly useful if you live in a flat, apartment or an upside-down house, with the living area on the top floor, as it can be more difficult to get to an outside bin during middle-of-the-night nappy changes. They can also save the time you’d spend heading to and from the bin - allowing you to get some much needed rest between nursing and nappy changes in the early newborn haze.
What's the difference between a nappy bin and a normal bin?
Nappy bins are designed to seal in nasty smells, which is something you don’t always get from a regular bin. They do, however, use more plastic than chucking them straight into your outside bin, so you may want to consider the type of liners and materials used if you’re worried about the environmental impact of your nappy bin.
How big are nappy bins?
Nappy bins can range quite significantly in size, so it’s important to consider the overall capacity and how many nappies each bin can hold when making your choice. The bigger the bin, the less often you’ll need to empty it, however the less discreet it’ll be in your nursery or living space. Smaller, more compact nappy bins may be better suited to families who are limited in terms of space but will need emptying more regularly as a result.
While the Ubbi Nappy Disposal Bin holds up to 50 nappies, the vast majority of the nappy bins in our round-up will hold between 20 to 30 nappies at a time. It’s worth noting however that most nappy bins measure capacity using size 1 nappies, so the liners will hold fewer nappies and need changing more often once your baby starts needing larger sizes.
How do nappy bins work?
Most nappy bins use liners or plastic bin bags and work by popping the nappy inside before closing the lid to seal in the nappy and any associated smells. Unlike traditional bins, some nappy bins wrap each nappy individually, while others rely on robust designs and thick seals that can help prevent odours from escaping into their surroundings.
Lots of Mumsnet users stop using nappy bins after their babies start reliably eating solids. Weaning usually begins at six months, so you may find that your nappy bin becomes less useful when your baby is anywhere between eight and 14 months.
Once your baby is eating more, instead of fairly inoffensive milky poos (whether breast- or bottle-fed), you might find the need to get the nappy out of the house ASAP. There will also be far fewer nappy changes by then too – from 12-plus when they are a newborn, down to around six a day.
How long does a nappy bin refill last?
It depends on which refill you're using and your baby's age (newborns go through more nappies than older babies). According to Tommee Tippee, the manufacturer of our top-ranked nappy bin, each refill cassette should last around three to four weeks.
How do I choose a nappy bin?
When choosing a nappy bin, consider which aspects are most important to you.
Capacity: Rather than looking at the volume capacity in litres, check how many nappies the bin can hold to give you an idea of how it will suit your needs. Remember, in most cases, this is based on size 1 nappies, so the actual amount each bin can hold will change as your baby moves up in nappy size.
Environmental impact: Plastic nappy bins and refill bags have an environmental impact so, if this concerns you, you may prefer to use more eco-friendly reusable nappies and a washable wet bag.
Specialist refills cassettes or regular bin bags: Some nappy bins require specialist refill cartridges or bags which can add expense, while others can be used with almost any liner. Are any refills included with the price of the purchase and roughly how long does each refill last? You should weigh up the cost of ongoing use as well as the additional purchase price to work out the overall value for money.
How easy is it to use? Does the lid have a foot pedal mechanism or do you feed the nappy through an automatic seal which helps to lock in smells? Can the nappy bin be used one-handed - this can be a real help when comforting your baby post-nappy change.
Do nappy bins smell?
Nappy bins are designed to keep smells contained when sealed, but they can still emit an odour when you open them for emptying.
Materials like steel will eliminate odours better than plastic. Parents recommend adding drops of lavender or tea tree oil after cleaning to keep smells away. We found the Ubbi Steel Nappy Disposal Bin and Vital Baby Hygiene Odour Trap to be the best nappy bins for minimising nasty odours.
How often should nappy bins be emptied?
How often you empty a nappy bin is a personal choice, of course, and you may opt to empty it daily. Some nappy bins can fit a large volume of nappies, such as the Ubbi Nappy Disposal Bin which has a capacity for up to 50 nappies.
However, as a general rule, it’s a good idea to empty your nappy bin at least every three days to minimise the risk of nasty smells emitting from the bin when you open it. This allows for 30 nappies at most in your nappy bin. For context, the Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Advanced Nappy Disposal Bin fits a maximum of 30 nappies.
Are nappy bins safe?
Yes – nappy bins are safe and are a convenient way to keep dirty nappies away from your baby.
Once your baby is on the move, you need to make sure they can't reach in and help themselves to dirty nappies, so look out for features such as child locks for extra peace of mind. Plastic bags and liners should be kept out of reach at all times, ideally in a high cupboard away from curious hands.
What is the best nappy bin UK 2024?
The overall best nappy bin is the Tommee Tippee Twist & Click Advanced Nappy Disposal Bin. A great all-rounder, parents rate it for its ingenious twist-and-secure mechanism and the Sangenic multi-layer, anti-bacterial film, helping lock away smells and germs to keep your nursery smelling fresh and clean.
How we chose our recommendations
When compiling our lists of recommendations, our team of experienced parenting journalists spend hours analysing every single product category, using a variety of independent sources to evaluate products against each other and assess which ones perform best. We then consolidated these results with the opinions of our huge network of Mumsnet forum users, which is the biggest online network of parents in the UK.
About the author
Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.
Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young, going on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.
Why you should trust us
Most of the recommendations for nappy bins in this round-up came from Mumsnetters themselves who have tried and tested the products as consumers.
We searched the Mumsnet forums for honest reviews and recommendations for nappy bins from parents. We then consulted expert review sites and retailers, including Amazon and Robert Dyas, to allow us to accurately hone our list of tried-and-tested products.
During our research, we assessed and weighed up each individual product, vetting the design, safety, odour control, capacity and overall function and performance to ensure they performed well across the board and offered true value for money.
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.