REDESIGNING JOURNEY
OF DIAPER WASTE
Spring 2026 | TDV x Big Toilet Project
(UCL Plastic Waste Innovation Hub)
THE CHALLENGE
The growing use of disposable diapers has created an often-overlooked waste challenge in the world and in urban India. Poor segregation, inconsistent disposal practices, and limited awareness expose sanitation workers to health risks while increasing plastic pollution and contamination across the waste management system. The challenge was to explore how design could improve the journey of diaper waste, starting from household disposal to waste recovery.
Understanding diaper use, disposal behaviours, and waste management systems.
01
Context Research
Engaging with caregivers, sanitation workers, and waste management stakeholders.
02
Field Inquiry
Identifying behavioural, environmental, and infrastructural challenges across the disposal journey.
03
Systems Mapping
Developing products, services, and behavioural interventions that improve segregation, handling, and responsible disposal.
04
Design Intervention
Taskbox VII | 2nd Year Undergraduate Learners
Academic Mentors: Mudita Pasari, Dr. Ina Goel
Learners: Aadhya Gupta, Chahat Grover, Diya Bahri, Garima Sharma, Himani Agarwal, Kriti Arora, Muskan yadav, Paridhi Gupta, Samiksha singh, Saumya singh, Tanish Joshi & Udantika Dutta
TDV learners investigated the lifecycle of diaper waste through literature review, behavioural research, stakeholder interviews, and systems mapping. By engaging with caregivers, sanitation workers, waste handlers, and researchers, they examined the cultural practices, decision-making behaviours, and infrastructural gaps that influence diaper disposal.
FROM RESEARCH TO RESPONSIBLE DISPOSAL
The research revealed that diaper waste is shaped not only by infrastructure but also by everyday habits, cultural practices, and disposal behaviours. Learners responded with a diverse set of interventions that improve waste segregation, encourage responsible disposal, reduce plastic consumption, protect sanitation workers, and strengthen the overall diaper waste management system.