PARENTS are facing a tax on disposable nappies in a bid by the Government to make them switch to reusable ones.

       The move is designed to stop the nappies going into landfill but fears have been raised hard working parents could be lumbered with more time consuming cleaning.

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       Parents are facing a tax on disposable nappies Credit: Getty

       The plan comes in the wake of action cracking down on throwaway plates, cups and cutlery.

       It’s hoped a tax will prompt parents to opt for cloth nappies that can be washed and reused or biodegradable ones.

       A Whitehall source involved in the policy told the Daily Mail: “The next single-use plastic item we are looking at is nappies.

       “But you couldn't ban them - that would be too tough for parents. It would need to take some form of a tax.”

       Justine Roberts, from the parenting forum Mumsnet, warned reusable nappies were more time-consuming for already busy parents.

       “It would be good for parents to have affordable options that are greener,” she added.

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       “Ideally, parents do want to make greener choices, but it's hard when they are busy and finances are stretched and they're struggling to find a moment for themselves.

       “Asking parents, and, frankly, it's usually mothers, for the commitment needed for reusables is a big ask.

       “No one on Mumsnet doubts the need to take action for the environment, but consumers need viable options.”

       According to recycling charity Wrap, three billion nappies are thrown away every year which accounts for 2 to 3 per cent of UK household waste.

       A baby gets through around 5,000 during infancy which is the equivalent to 130 large bin bags.

       Asking parents, and, frankly, it's usually mothers, for the commitment needed for reusables is a big ask

       Justine Roberts

       Allison Ogden-Newton of Keep Britain Tidy said disposable nappies are entirely plastic and cannot be recycled.

       “People still aren't aware of this. We estimate there are a million people trying to recycle disposable nappies and causing huge contamination.

       “This is an iceberg of contaminated material going to landfill and we're losing whole truckloads of recyclable waste.

       “The first thing we need to do is to educate consumers that these products are not recyclable and need to be disposed of in household waste.”

       It comes after plastic cotton buds, stirrers and straws have already been outlawed.

       The Sun revealed this month that the Government wants to ban plastic cutlery from takeaway outlets and replace them with wooden implements before November’s COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

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       A baby gets through 5000 nappies in infancy Credit: Getty

       I’m potty-training my 8-week old - I just whip off her nappy and dangle her over the loo