Islington Nappies Fix Potholes Scheme 2026

Key Points

• Islington Council has launched a pioneering recycling scheme using repurposed plastic from disposable nappies to patch potholes across the borough.
• The initiative addresses Islington’s chronic pothole problem, with over 1,500 potholes reported in the last financial year alone.
• Nappies, primarily made from polypropylene plastic, are processed into a durable, road-ready material through a specialised recycling method.
• The scheme is part of a broader partnership with local recycling firm Babylon Plastics and national waste management company Biffa.
• Trials have shown the nappy-derived material to be as strong as traditional bitumen-based fillers, with added benefits of flexibility and reduced cracking.
• Implementation begins in Spring 2026 on key roads including Upper Street and Essex Road, with full rollout planned by Autumn.
• The project aims to divert thousands of nappies from landfills annually, supporting Islington’s net-zero carbon goals by 2030.
• Cost savings are projected at 20-30% compared to conventional repairs, allowing more roads to be fixed within budget constraints.
• Public consultation revealed 78% resident support, though some environmental groups question the energy-intensive processing stage.
• Similar schemes are already operational in Enfield and Redbridge, proving the technology’s viability in London boroughs.

Islington, (North London News) March 19, 2026 – Islington Council has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to repurpose plastic from used disposable nappies into pothole repair material, tackling the borough’s notorious road defects. Announced on 19 March 2026, the scheme promises faster, greener fixes for the capital’s crumbling streets.

The council reported fixing over 1,500 potholes last year, yet complaints continue to surge amid harsh winter weather. By transforming nappy waste – a major landfill contributor – into durable road patches, officials aim to cut repair costs and environmental impact simultaneously.

What Is the Nappy Recycling Process for Potholes?

As detailed in the lead article by Islington Now titled “Nappies to patch potholes across Islington,” the process begins with collection of soiled nappies from local households and nurseries via expanded kerbside bins.

“We separate the plastic components using advanced mechanical and chemical recycling,”

explained Cllr Asima Shaikh, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Energy, as quoted by Islington Now reporter Laura Jones.​

The nappies, predominantly composed of non-biodegradable polypropylene, undergo shredding and washing at a Babylon Plastics facility in East London.

This yields clean plastic pellets melted into a polymer binder mixed with aggregates for pothole filler. Trials on a test patch along Caledonian Road demonstrated the material withstands 50% more freeze-thaw cycles than standard asphalt, according to Babylon Plastics technical director Mark Reynolds, cited in the same Islington Now piece.​

How Does This Differ from Traditional Pothole Repairs?

Traditional methods rely on bitumen, a petroleum byproduct prone to brittleness in cold weather. In contrast, the nappy polymer offers elasticity, reducing future cracks.

“It’s not just patching; it’s regenerating roads with waste we already produce,”

stated Reynolds, emphasising the material’s recyclability for multiple uses.​

Why Is Islington Facing a Pothole Crisis?

Islington’s roads suffer from heavy traffic, Victorian-era infrastructure, and budget squeezes post-austerity. Council data shows £2.4 million spent on repairs in 2025, yet 40% of roads remain substandard. “Potholes cost drivers £1.7 billion nationally last year in vehicle damage,” noted AA spokesperson Simon Brooks, referenced in Islington Now‘s coverage.​

Winter rains exacerbate the issue, washing out road bases. Resident feedback via council surveys highlights safety risks, with 120 injury claims linked to potholes borough-wide since 2024.

Who Are the Key Partners in This Scheme?

Islington Council leads, partnering with Biffa for waste logistics and Babylon Plastics for processing. Biffa’s operations director, Emma Thompson, told Islington Now:

“We handle 500 tonnes of nappy waste weekly UK-wide; diverting 10% to roads aligns with our circular economy goals”.​

Funding stems from a £1.2 million government grant under the Levelling Up Fund, plus £800,000 from council reserves. Cllr Shaikh added:

“This innovation turns a problem waste into a solution, saving landfill space and taxpayer money”.​

When and Where Will Nappies Patch Islington Roads?

Initial deployments target high-traffic arteries: Upper Street, Essex Road, and Holloway Road starting April 2026.

“Priority goes to Category 1 potholes over 300mm deep,”

per council highways engineer Raj Patel, as reported by Laura Jones in Islington Now.​

Full borough coverage follows by October, weather permitting. Monitoring via embedded sensors will track performance, with data shared publicly on the council website.

Which Roads Are Worst Hit?

Upper Street tops the list with 280 fixes last year, followed by Essex Road (210).

“These are shopping hubs; potholes deter visitors,”

said local trader Janet Kaur of Upper Street Traders Association.​

What Are the Environmental Benefits?

Annually, Islington discards 8,000 tonnes of nappies, occupying 15% of landfill capacity. The scheme diverts 1,500 tonnes yearly, cutting methane emissions equivalent to 2,000 cars off the road. “Processing uses 30% less energy than virgin plastic production,” claimed Babylon’s Reynolds.​

It bolsters Islington’s Climate Action Plan, targeting net-zero by 2030. Compared to bitumen, the nappies emit 40% fewer CO2 equivalents over the repair lifecycle.

How Does Public Opinion View This Initiative?

A council consultation drew 1,200 responses, with 78% approval. “Recycling rubbish into road fixes? Brilliant British ingenuity,” tweeted resident Tom Hargreaves. However, Green Party councillor Pia Glover questioned: “Washing soiled nappies requires chemicals; is it truly green?” as covered by Islington Now.​

Highways campaigner Caroline Pidgeon of London Assembly praised: “Practical step forward for pothole-plagued boroughs” in a statement to local media.​

What Challenges Might Arise?

Sceptics worry about hygiene in processing.

“Rigorous steam sterilisation eliminates 99.9% of pathogens,”

assured Biffa’s Thompson. Scalability poses risks; national nappy waste totals 3 billion units yearly, but facilities lag.​

Cost overruns plagued early trials elsewhere. Enfield Council’s similar project overran by 15%, per Local Government Association reports.

Has This Been Tried Elsewhere Successfully?

Enfield rolled out nappy patches in 2024, repairing 800 potholes with zero failures after 18 months. Redbridge followed in 2025, saving £250,000. “Proven tech; Islington joins a winning formula,” said Enfield highways lead Mike Donovan.​

Scotland’s Moray Council pioneered it in 2023, patching 5km of rural roads. Babylon supplied all, logging 98% durability.

What Do Experts Say on Long-Term Viability?

Professor Julian Parer of Imperial College London reviewed the material: “Polymer flexibility mimics rubberised asphalt; expect 5-7 year lifespan versus 3 for bitumen”. Asphalt Industry Alliance concurred, calling it “game-changer for cash-strapped councils.”​

How Will Success Be Measured?

Metrics include pothole recurrence rates under 5%, cost per repair dropping to £45 from £65, and waste diversion hitting 1,500 tonnes. Annual reports to residents ensure transparency. “If it works here, we’ll scale to all London,” pledged Cllr Shaikh.​

What’s Next for Islington’s Roads?

Beyond nappies, trials explore tyre rubber and seaweed-based fillers. Integration with 15-minute city plans prioritises cycling lanes. “Sustainable repairs are the future,” concluded council cabinet.​