Provided is a method for efficiently recovering pulp fibers with a high degree of safety and without detriment to the performance of the pulp fibers, from used absorbent articles such as disposable diapers containing pulp fibers and a super absorbent polymer. This method comprises: a step for extracting a mixture of pulp fibers, super absorbent polymer and water from used absorbent articles; a step of using a pair of electrodes to apply a voltage to the mixture of pulp fibers, super absorbent polymer and water to deactivate the super absorbent polymer; and a step for separating pulp fibers from the mixture of pulp fibers, deactivated super polymer and water.