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Sustainability
Modern cloth reusable nappies
Do you know that disposable nappies account for almost ten percent of Geelong’s total household red bin waste?

This is an enormous amount of waste when you consider the size of Geelong and the number of red bins that we collect weekly.

While disposables are convenient they cost more in the long run and create a lot more waste. Due to this modern cloth reusable nappies are becoming popular as an excellent alternative. These are completely different to the traditional ‘Terry squares’ nappies - they are simple to use machine wash and dry - just like regular clothes. They save parents’ money while being better for the environment.

Starting using reusable nappies can feel daunting but remember - it does not have to be all or nothing. Parents can try a combination of reusable and disposable nappies to start with. Even using reusables only during the day and disposables at night will more than halve your waste and nappy costs.  

The Modern Cloth Reusable Nappies Subsidy Program is back! This includes a free workshop and highly subsidised nappy pack.

Sign up and join the program today!

Nappy facts

  • Each child uses on average up to 7000 disposable nappies until they are toilet trained. However if the child uses reusable nappies instead only 24-30 reusable nappies are needed.
  • It takes one cup of crude oil (fossil fuel) to produce one disposable nappy and 500+ years for it to break down in landfill – meaning a child’s nappies will still be in landfill for 10+ generations to come.
  • Using disposable nappies costs five times more than using reusable nappies and reusables are cheaper again if the nappies are reused for subsequent children.
  • Compostable and biodegradable nappies which are very costly are unfortunately not a great option either as they act like disposable nappies in a landfill. 

Questions 

Reusable nappies range from $1 to $35 each new however there are many excellent pre-loved nappy groups offering sterilised and laundered nappies for just a fraction of the cost. Depending on the type reusable nappies cost on average only one fifth as much as using disposable nappies over the long run. It is approximately $120 to $900 for a full set of reusable nappies (which can be used for multiple children) comparing to $2000 to $3000 (per child) for disposable nappies. And the cost of energy water and detergents to launder nappies at home is less than you might imagine. Studies have shown it only costs approximately $80 per year about $1.50 a week.
There are two main types of modern reusable nappies:
  • Nappies with built-in covers - these are fantastic as they have press studs or Velcro so they can adjust ongoingly to fit a growing baby until being toilet trained. These are the most popular style. Examples include – pocket all in one and all in two nappies.
  • Nappies with separate covers – these include traditional (modern take on Terry squares) pre-folds and fitted nappies.
For more information explaining the different types of nappies visit The Australian Nappy Association cloth nappies explained webpage.
Disposable nappies have a significant impact on the environment - from manufacturing the oil used to make the nappies which leads to environmental degradation right through to disposal which fills up landfill sites and contributes to global warming through methane production. In comparison the environmental impact of reusable nappies is very minor and even less so if you are using solar or a green energy provider line drying instead of using a dryer and only washing with full loads.
There are two options for laundering:
  1. Wash at home – contrary to popular belief modern reusable nappies do not need to be boiled or bleached and can go in the washing machine like other clothes. There are a few basic steps including:
    1. remove solids (even easier when using a liner)
    2. pre-wash
    3. main wash and
    4. drying.
    Learn more about these four steps online or print out the simple at home wash guide and stick it up in the laundry room.
  2. Use a local nappy laundering service - do an online search of local nappy laundering services. These services pick up nappies from your doorstep and drop off a clean nappy delivery. A good service can be both cost effective and convenient. Some offer generic nappies as part of the service or some you can use your own nappies with.
A liner is similar to a thin piece of cloth or a wet wipe that can be used to line the nappy to make them much easier to clean by keeping most solids off the nappy. Liners can be used for all reusable nappies with reusable or disposable types available. Like wet wipes if using disposable liners these must be put in the red bin – not in the toilet or any other bin.
Modern reusables are size adjustable so parents only need to buy them once. To completely switch to reusable nappies a set of approximately 24-30 nappies should be enough for most babies from birth through to toilet training. This allows for washing every couple of days although parents may want a couple more if they don’t have a dryer at home. If you already use disposable nappies try purchasing a smaller amount and swap a few uses a day with reusable nappies to start with.
The Australian Nappy Network is a non-for-profit advocacy group and a great place for parents to start their modern reusable nappy journey.  We also recommend attending workshops (online and in-person) joining online groups or forums and chatting to other mums. Parents can also try before they buy at:
  • South West Cloth Nappy Library – a free Warrnambool based service where parents can try different kinds of modern cloth nappies and receive information and support.
  • Cloth Tots - who offer a reusable nappy hire service where parents can trial different types and sizes to see which ones work best for them.

Resources

    Progress on transition to circular economy
    The implementation of a food waste collection trial in Lara and the launch of a modern reusable nappy program are among the City of Greater Geelong’s achievements in the waste and resource recovery space.