Switch to reusable sanitary products or cloth nappies with Waverley Council’s new reusable rebate scheme
Making the switch to reusable alternatives can often feel like a daunting task however, becoming a waste-free wizard is not something that happens overnight. Slowly phasing out single-use items from your life can be a fun challenge and with the variety of products available there are many ways to make sustainable switches.
There has never been a better time to consider making the switch to reusable sanitary products or cloth nappies with Waverley Council’s new reusable rebate scheme.
Rebates for reusable cloth nappies and sanitary products
Waverley Council is running a trial program for one year, offering residents a rebate for the purchase of cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products making it more affordable than ever for you to try these eco-friendly options and move away from single use products.
Each household in the Waverley council area is eligible for one rebate per category. Separate applications are required for each category.
Categories:
- Cloth Nappies – 50% of the purchase price up to $100. Includes cloth and swim nappies, reusable inner liner for nappies, reusable nappy hire costs, reusable wipes and wet bags.
- Reusable Sanitary Products – 50% of the purchase price up to $50. Includes reusable pads, period cups, period underwear, incontinence underwear and wet bags.
Read the full terms and conditions and apply for your rebate here!
Why are we offering this rebate?
Waverley Council is committed to moving towards a zero-waste community and a circular economy. On average, women and people who menstruate use approximately 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime which equates to around 200kgs of single-use waste. Single-use nappies also produce significant amounts of waste, with one child using approximately 4,000 – 6,000 disposable nappies, which end up in landfill and take 150+ years to break down. Collectively these products make up 6% of waste in Waverley!
While making the switch to these reusable options can cost a little more upfront, in the long run these products can save you $1,000s.
Products available
There are a variety of reusable products you can consider to suit your needs.
For people periods
- Menstrual / period cups: an eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads, these products can last for years when looked after correctly. A number of brands also provide innovative cleaning solutions. Check out TOM Organic, Lunette, Period Shop.
- Reusable period / incontinence underwear: leak-proof, breathable, and comfortable, these undies are a great alternative to tampons and pads. Have a look at Modi Bodi, Bonds’ Bloody Comfy Period Undies, or Libra’s Reusable Period Underwear
- Reusable pads: these pads are washable, meaning they can be used over and over, keeping disposable pads out of landfill. Try MyPads, EcoPeriod Australia.
For parents
- Cloth Nappies and swim nappies: comfortable and adorable! Reusable cloth nappies can be used by multiple children when looked after correctly.
- Wet bags: an essential accessory to help you transport your dry and wet cloth nappies with ease when you’re out of home.
Check out the Australian Nappy Association accredited retailers for suggested products.
Still not sure where to start?
Join our free introductory workshops on cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products. We will have an expert there to provide you with all the information you need to get started and find the products that are right for you.
- Introduction to cloth nappies – 3 September, 10am, Waverley Library. Register here
- Introduction to reusable sanitary products – 3 September, 12pm, Waverley Library. Register here
This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.
Author: Eleanor Pratten