Provided is a defective-workpiece discharging device that discharges a workpiece having a defect to a discharge path from a conveyance path that conveys a plurality of workpieces relating to absorbent articles in a conveyance direction at a predetermined conveyance pitch. The conveyance path has a first conveyance path and a second conveyance path that is located downstream from the first conveyance path. The defective-workpiece discharging device includes: a sorting mechanism that is provided between the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path, and that sorts the workpieces into either one of the second conveyance path and the discharge path, the workpieces having passed the first conveyance path a defect detection sensor that detects the defect and outputs a defect detection signal, a passage detection sensor that is provided on the first conveyance path, and that detects passage of the workpieces at a predetermined position on the first conveyance path and outputs a passage detection signal and a controller that controls a sorting operation of the sorting mechanism, based on the defect detection signal and the passage detection signal. An end of the first conveyance path on the sorting mechanism side and the predetermined position are separated by a distance greater than or equal to the conveyance pitch.
