Macedon Ranges council has launched a rebate program for reusable nappies and sanitary products in an effort to reduce landfill.
Council announced on April 3 that the program will run as a three month pilot and be open to all residents in Macedon Ranges.
Council assets and operations director Shane Walden said at least 50 households would initially be able to participate in the program.
“About 660 million disposable nappies, sanitary and incontinence products end up in landfill in Australia each year, ” Mr Walden said.
“We have seen this type of initiative offered by other councils and received requests for it from our community.”
The pilot program will run until June 31 and Mr Walden said the council can then look at extending the program.
“We will review the pilot program results, and if there is a strong uptake, we can then consider steps to make it an annual program,” he said.
The program offers rebates on reusable items such as cloth nappies, nursing pads, cloth pads and period underwear, and Mr Walden said council hopes it will encourage residents to consider the products they use.
This initiative will be part of the reusable nappy program, which holds education workshops throughout the year for families wanting to learn more about cloth nappies.
Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au/reusables
Zoe Moffatt
