ABSTRACT:
Introduction/Problem: The use of disposable diapers has increased rapidly in urban and peri-urban settings in Kenya; however, systems for safe disposal and end-of-life management remain inadequate. Improper disposal of diaper waste in open spaces, drainage lines, and pit latrines poses growing environmental and public health risks, yet empirical evidence quantifying this burden remains limited. Aim/Research Question: This initiative aimed to quantify the volume of improperly disposed disposable diapers and assess their environmental, economic, and public health implications within Kilifi County using a One Health lens.

METHODS:
A community-led 72-hour diaper collection exercise was conducted from 21–23 January 2026 across eleven sites, including designated municipal disposal points and undesignated dumping areas. Used diapers were collected, weighed, and categorized by site type. Estimates of diaper counts, faecal load, volume, and economic value were calculated using standardized assumptions on average diaper weight, faecal content, and retail cost.

RESULTS:
A total of 2,318.45 kg (2.32 tonnes) of used diapers, equivalent to approximately 13,880 diapers, were collected, with the majority retrieved from undesignated dumping sites. The collected diapers were estimated to contain over 1,000 kg of human faecal matter exposed to the open environment. These findings indicated substantial risks for faecal–oral disease transmission, accelerated filling of pit latrines, loss of productive land to non-biodegradable waste, and an estimated retail value of KES 416,400 discarded within 72 hours.

CONCLUSIONS:
Disposable diaper waste represents a significant but overlooked One Health and climate-sensitive public health challenge. Strengthened waste governance, public education, and enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility are urgently required to reduce environmental contamination and disease risk.