Reusable nappies to reduce waste sent to landfill
Published on 27 January 2022
Maribyrnong has teamed up with eleven other local councils to support a joint study to understand how to develop and implement a best-practice reusable nappy program – so parents and carers can look after their little ones as well as the environment.
The Feasibility Study aims to identify reusable nappy programs councils might consider that would reduce waste sent to landfill by increasing the use of reusable products.
Each child, on average, generates around 700kg of disposable nappy waste. Approximately two billion disposable nappies end up in landfill each year in Australia, each of which take about 500 years to break down.
Averaged across the City of Maribyrnong, nappies make up around 10% of waste to landfill (by weight) in kerbside bins, and in houses that have children in nappies, they make-up around half of the waste in their kerbside bins (by weight).
The results will inform recommendations on a best-practice model nappy program to achieve waste reduction, assist and support families, and create the basis for behaviour change. The Project also hopes to create a model that can be implemented by any Victorian household, so that communities can access similar services across the State.
The study includes a survey, which is open until Thursday 24 February 2022 for residents to share their experience and thoughts on nappy use. We want to hear your views on nappies – whether you're a parent-to-be; you’ve only used disposable nappies; tried reusable nappies and decided they aren’t for you; or you’re a reusable nappy loyalist or cloth nappy convert!
There is also the opportunity to take part in follow up interviews and participate in focus groups.
This study helps meet Council’s commitment to avoiding nappy waste and promoting alternatives, as outlined in the Towards Zero Waste Strategy 2019-2030.
Message from the Mayor, Cr Anthony Tran
We know our community are environmentally conscious and want to limit their environmental impact where they can, and this study is an important first step in understanding behaviours and habits to inform a program that will make it easier for families to make day-to-day sustainable choices. I encourage you to share your thoughts today.
Further information
The project is co-funded by the 12 Councils. The participating municipalities include Bayside City Council, Glen Eira City Council, City of Greater Dandenong, Knox City Council, City of Stonnington, Maribyrnong City Council, Maroondah City Council, City of Monash, Moonee Valley City Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, Stonnington City Council and Yarra Ranges Council.
This project is supported by the Recycling Victoria Councils Fund delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.
To provide your thoughts and comments, visit www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/reusablenappies
If you would like further information about the project, visit www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/reusablenappies
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