In a defective-workpiece discharging device, a defective workpiece is discharged to a discharge path from a conveyance path that conveys a plurality of workpieces related to absorbent articles at a predetermined conveyance pitch. The conveyance path has a first path and a second path downstream of the first path. A sorting mechanism between the first and second paths sorts workpieces into either the second path or the discharge path. A defect detection sensor detects a defect and outputs a defect detection signal. A passage detection sensor detects passage of the workpieces at a predetermined position on the first path and outputs a passage detection signal. A controller controls the sorting mechanism based on the defect and passage detection signals. An end of the first path on the sorting mechanism side and the predetermined position are separated by a distance greater than or equal to the conveyance pitch.
