Supporting Sustainable Choices Scheme

Did you know that before a child is properly toilet trained, it is estimated that 5,000 to 6,000 nappies will be used and disposed of during that timeframe? If we average the cost of a single disposable nappy at 50c, a family spends approximately $3,000 on nappies alone.

When disposable nappies end up in landfill, it takes up to 300 years for them to break down. It’s estimated an average of 150kg of sanitary items are sent to landfill during the lifetime of one person who uses such products. Using reusable nappies and sanitary items only requires a thorough wash with detergent and they’re ready to be used again.

Reusable items not only prevent pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and divert large amounts of waste from landfill, they save individuals and families a lot of money.

Reusable nappy and sanitary item rebate 2021

The Supporting Sustainable Choices Scheme rebate is now closed due to allocated funds being exhausted. We are proud to have processed over 400 applications for residents who purchased reusable sanitary items and/or nappies from 1 January 2020 to August 2021.

Penrith City Council is immensely grateful for all of the support received during this trial. Your choices are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money and achieve Penrith's goal of diverting 70% of waste from landfill by the end 2021. We wanted to say thanks Penrith for never wasting a chance to be great with waste.

Other Resources 

While the reusable nappy and sanitary item rebate is currently closed, it is still a great time to consider transitioning from disposable products to reusable alternatives. Check out our list of resources to learn more about the benefits of using cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products.

Clean Cloth Nappies — If you want to get started on your cloth nappy journey, this website has great resources and tips for you.

Sustainability Victoria – A resource that includes some facts about the impact of disposables and suggestions for transitioning to cloth.

Nappy Lane — Find out all you need to know about cloth nappies.

Australian Nappy Association — Familiarise yourself with the benefits of transitioning from disposable to reusable.

How to buy the best disposable and cloth nappies — A great guide comparing disposable and reusable nappies and with tips on how to best transition.

Period underwear review — A great guide on period underpants.

Interested in using cloth nappies and don’t know where to start? Watch cloth nappy expert Alice Henchion answer some frequently asked questions about purchasing and using cloth nappies.