Monash Council leads collaborative Melbourne-based feasibility study into uptake of reusable nappies
Monash Council has led a reusable nappy feasibility study with 12 other Melbourne Councils to research and understand how to implement a best practice reusable nappy program.
With Councils estimating that 5% to 15% of household landfill bins contain disposable nappies (by weight), the study asked how to best reduce disposable nappy waste to landfill, support parents and carers and increase both first-time and continued use of reusable nappies.
The 5-month study included a review of 9 Melbourne-based, 4 Australia-wide and 3 international reusable nappy programs, and 12 reusable nappy brands - including a triple-bottom line assessment. Social research was also undertaken with 2,282 expectant parents and current parents and carers across Melbourne.
This research found 34% of participants used a combination of reusable and disposable nappies, with 18% using reusable nappies only. With as many as 90% of expectant parents and carers open to assistance to help make the switch to reusables through interventions like workshops, trial kits or advice from a trusted source.
Removing cost as a barrier was not a prominent reason for continued use of reusable nappies amongst current users, and people who were already using reusable nappies were more than twice as likely as those who use disposables to find a rebate appealing.
Monash Mayor, Cr Stuart James, said the feasibility study was wonderful example of Councils collaborating on important shared sustainability goals to reduce waste to landfill.
"What the feasibility study has shown us is that it is early days in establishing a broad reusable nappy program that can deliver real impact on reducing disposable nappy waste to landfill."
"The research shows that there are opportunities to begin to make an impact by encouraging more parents and carers to use reusables.
"Council is currently looking into ways that we can help parents and carers do this, people can subscribe to our Sustainable Monash email newsletter to be the first to know about programs in the future," Cr James said.
To support ongoing use and uptake, the study recommends Councils deliver more education and more opportunities for expectant families and the community to experience and connect with reusable nappy programs and products.
The Reusable Nappy Feasibility Report, including the Executive Summary document, can be found at shape.monash.vic.gov.au/reusable-nappies
This project is supported by the Circular Economy Councils Fund, delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.
