Reusable cloth nappies are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and with more and more local councils now appreciating the benefits of using cloth nappies, they are now offering cloth nappy rebates and free workshops to encourage parents on making the switch from disposable nappies!
Not only will making the switch save you money in the long run and have a positive impact on the environment, but it will also benefit the longevity of our landfills as disposable nappies take hundreds of years to break down and in the process, the faeces from nappies release methane that is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide. As when they break down they also release microplastics which are harmful to our environment and all types of life. Through encouragement from our local councils, we hope these incentives will give upcoming and current parents the push they need to consider making the switch.
We have compiled a list of progressive Australian councils that offer cloth nappy rebates. If you live in one of these areas, visit the links for more information for specifics on their rebates. You may be eligible to receive money back on your cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product purchases.
Last updated:15th August 2021
Brisbane City Council - Monthly draw to win back cloth nappy and reusable swim nappy purchases up to $300, and two further prizes of $50.
Livingstone Shire Council - Monthly draw to win $100 for cloth nappy and reusable sanitary product purchases. This includes wet bags, reusable swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts, cloth baby wipes and reusable breast pads.
Cardinia Shire Council - Rebates up to 50% on purchases of cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products. This includes reusable breast pads, wetbags, reusable swim nappies, reusable cloth inserts and cloth baby wipes.
City of Casey - Rebates up to 50% on purchases of cloth nappies, reusable swim nappies, reusable cloth inserts, cloth baby wipes, wet bags, reusable breast pads.
Mornington Peninsula Shire - Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and 50% (up to a maximum value of $50) on purchases of reusable sanitary products. This includes swim nappies and cloth nappy inserts.
City of Whittlesea - Rebates SOON for cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products. We recommend contacting this council for updates on when these rebates will begin.
Wyndham City Council - Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and 50% (up to a maximum value of $50) on purchases of reusable sanitary products.
Town of East Fremantle - Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases or hire of cloth nappies. This includes swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts, boosters and reusable microfleece liners. Attendance at a cloth nappy workshop in this area within six months of application is required to be eligible.
City of Fremantle - Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $150) on purchases or hire of cloth nappies. This includes swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts, boosters and reusable microfleece liners. Attendance at a cloth nappy workshop in this area within six months of application is required to be eligible.
City of Melville - Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases or hire of cloth nappies. This includes swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts, boosters and reusable microfleece liners. Attendance at a cloth nappy workshop in this area within six months of application is required to be eligible.
City of Cockburn - Rebates of $50 on purchases of cloth nappies and 60% subsidy on trying cloth nappies using the Nappy Gurus library service. This rebate and subsidy is only applicable to those that attend a workshop in this area.
City of Holdfast Bay - Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products.
City of Wagga Wagga - Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products. This includes swim nappies, cloth nappy inserts and reusable microfleece liners. This rebate is on a first-in-first-served basis until available funding is exhausted.
City of Parramatta - Receive up to $150 on purchases of cloth nappies, and up to $100 on purchases of reusable sanitary products. This includes purchases of wet bags, cloth baby wipes, reusable breast pads.
Litchfield Council - Rebates of 50% (up to a maximum value of $100) on purchases of cloth nappies and 50% (up to a maximum value of $50) on purchases of reusable sanitary products. This includes swim nappies and cloth nappy inserts. This rebate is on a first-in-first-served basis until funding is exhausted.
The following areas will be introducing a cloth nappy rebate from 2022 through Halve Waste for purchases made from July 2021. We recommend contacting your local council from the list below for further information or keep an eye out for any updates on this through the Halve Waste website.
Albury City Council, NSW
City of Wodonga, VIC
Federation Council, NSW
Shire of Towong, VIC
Greater Hume Council, NSW
Indigo Shire Council, VIC
If the link isn't showing any upcoming workshops, please contact the council for information on future workshops.
City of Bunbury, WA
Town of Cambridge, WA
Darlings Downunder, VIC
Nappy Lane, NSW
Nest Nappies, QLD
Baby Shop, NSW
Wollongong City Council, NSW
City of Melville, WA
City of Fremantle, WA
Town of East Fremantle, WA
City of Cockburn, WA
City of Wagga Wagga, NSW
Tiny Footprints, TAS
Writing a letter to your council is a great way of providing education on the benefits of switching to cloth nappies and why introducing incentives such as rebates to the community will help drive positive change in their area.
The first step in assembling your letter is finding out who your local councillor is and address them directly or the environmental representative. You can find these details including the email address/postage address to send your letter to through the website of your local council.
The second step is to introduce yourself and address the reason for your letter. We recommend including an example of a council/s which have implemented active, communal cloth nappy rebate programs.
The third step is to address the importance of this letter and why your issue should be deliberated. This is where you want to include reasoning as to why a rebate should be implemented and what positive change it will bring.
Points we recommended to including in your letter:
The fourth step (you’re nearly there!) is to kindly remind them of their duties in looking after their council areas and the communities within, and to reiterate on the importance of introducing an incentive that will encourage parents and women on making the switch from disposables to reusables.
If you know of other parents that are seeking the same cloth nappy rebate in your area or you are a part of your local council’s Facebook page, why not start a petition! Petitions are great for raising awareness and capturing attention, and you might even be surprised by how many people in your area all want the same change.
Change.org is a great organisation for this that focuses solely on creating petitions and is absolutely free! Marian Wright Edelman once said, “if you don't like the way the world is, you change it one step at a time.”
So pick up your pen and paper (or keyboard) and take that first step in the direction of a more positive environmental future for you and your community.