Diapers are an everyday staple of parenting—on average, you’ll use (and dispose of) 8,000 diapers before potty training. And because all those changes can get a little messy, it’s helpful to know how to properly dispose of diapers, both at home and while out and about with your little one. Luckily, diaper disposal has improved over the years, and we’re here to help you learn the best ways to dispose of those used diapers.

How to Dispose of Diapers

First and foremost, always remember to wash your hands before and after changing your baby’s diaper.

Once you’ve gone through all the steps and your little one is sitting happily in a new, clean diaper, it’s time to dispose of the used diaper.

The best method? Embrace the roll and tape:

• Roll. All you need to do is roll the diaper up, ensuring the outer side covers the soiled side, keeping any liquid or solid waste enclosed.

• Tape. Then, use the side tapes (if you’re using taped diapers) to secure the roll in place. If you’re using stretchy Pampers 360° or diaper pants, use the easy-tear sides and disposal tape to keep the diaper securely rolled.

And that’s it! Then, toss the dirty diaper in the trash.

How to Dispose of Diapers at Home

After using the roll and tape method from above, you simply need to dispose of used diapers in a trashcan. To reduce smells in your home, you might want to consider getting a smaller, hands-free bin with a liner and placing it next to your changing table. This way, you can easily toss used diapers and wipes into the bin as needed.

Some parents choose to buy a diaper pail, though any small trashcan with a lid can do the trick. The best diaper pails recommended by Pampers parents are easy to open (we’re talking hands-free), easy to clean (meaning easy to take apart), and truly contain smells (since that’s the main purpose).

Once the diaper bin (or diaper pail) is full, dispose of the diapers along with your typical household waste. Just remember to keep the diaper bin and any liners or packaging out of the reach of your little one.

How to Dispose of Diapers in Public

Now you know about the proper disposal of diapers at home. Check! But how do you dispose of diapers in public? Don’t worry—even if this is your first baby, it’s fairly easy to dispose of diapers when you’re out and about, whether at the park, on a playdate, or en route to the grocery store.

Like proper diaper disposal at home, the same applies to when you’re in public: the roll and tape method. You can use our diaper bag checklist to ensure you always have all the necessary supplies you’ll need, including a changing pad. A mobile, reusable changing pad will be useful, especially if you can’t find a public restroom.

But now the question begs, where to dispose of diapers in public? You probably won’t carry your diaper pail around with you, so what’s the best way to dispose of diapers without one? It’s totally OK to toss your baby’s used diaper in any trashcan you can find, whether that’s at a park, on the street, or in a public restroom. For the health and safety of others, ensure the diaper is secured well and placed fully into the trashcan.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}