UK nappy facts

Nappy waste makes up 4% of household waste, approximately one million tonnes About three quarters of this is human raw sewage Three billion nappies are thrown away every year Disposal costs for local authorities are typically �100,000 to �200,000 annually

The Oxfordshire scheme is one of many taking place during Real Nappy week, which highlights the environmental damage caused by disposable nappies.

Councillor Anne Purse, the executive member for Strategic Planning and Waste Management said: "Most people think that washable nappies means the old style terry towelling plus safety pin ones.

"However the technology has changed so quickly that they are virtually identical to disposable nappies - just cheaper and better for your children and the environment."

Disposable nappies cause massive environmental problems, according to campaigners.

Real Nappy Week is run by the Women's Environmental Network (WEN), the Real Nappy Association and the National Association of Nappy Services to highlight how disposable nappies injure the environment.