Bayside is collaborating with 11 other Councils to reduce the number of disposable nappies going to landfill.
The 12 Councils are working together to research and understand how to implement a best practice reusable nappy program.
The Best Practice Reusable Nappy Program - Feasibility Study, led by Monash Council, has been awarded up to $80,000 from Sustainability Victoria, through the Victorian Government's Recycling Victoria Councils Fund.
With our food waste recycling services, Bayside residents have already reduced the amount of food waste ending up in landfill. However, disposable nappies are becoming one of the most significant waste issues.
A Bayside City Council waste audit in November 2020 found 7.8 per cent of bin contents was sanitary products, including nappies.
Approximately two billion disposable nappies end up in landfill per year in Australia and it can take up to 500 years for nappies to break down.
What we are doing
The feasibility study will engage with parents to understand barriers to using reusable nappies and will benchmark existing programs from other Councils to reach target audiences, meet parents' needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of programs to reduce waste and change behaviour.
The participating Councils will share costs and resources, increasing the likelihood of an ongoing reusable program.
The participating municipalities include Bayside City Council, Boroondara City Council, Glen Eira City Council, City of Greater Dandenong, Knox City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Maroondah City Council, City of Monash, Moonee Valley City Council, Nillumbik Shire Council, Stonnington City Council and Yarra Ranges Council.
The study will recommend a best practice model to achieve waste reduction, assist and support parents and create the basis for behaviour change across Victoria.
