A degradable disposable diaper (10) includes one or more sheets made of polyolefin with the polyolefin including a prodegradant causing the sheet to degrade. The prodegradant includes a metal compound such as a metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, cerium, and iron. The preferred metal compound is a metal carboxylate. The polyolefin is preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. A secondary polyolefin may be used to aid the incorporation of the prodegradant into the primary polyolefin. The filler preferably has a particle size less than 150 mesh and is free of water. The filler is preferably calcium carbonate having a 1 to 10 micron particle size. The sheet (12) contains between about 0.001 and about 30 weight % prodegradant and most preferably between about 0.01 and about 3 weight % prodegradant. The sheet also includes up to about 15 weight % filler. The diaper also includes a degradable absorbent core (18).
