Local councils supporting reusable nappy use
A number of councils report that disposable nappies constitute the second-largest volume of household waste going into landfill after food waste. In an effort to address this significant environmental issue, a growing number of councils are supporting the uptake of reusable nappies.
Councils are using a variety of mechanisms including cloth nappy rebates, demonstration workshops, resources and information kits etc. So yes – depending on the conditions of your local council’s rebate scheme, you may be able receive some cash back on your nappy purchase. It is worth noting that the majority of participating councils also offer rebates on reusable sanitary products such as pads and breast pads.
Check out the list below to see if your local council offers a rebate scheme. A number also offer cloth nappy workshops either free or at minimal cost (for some, attendance at one of these workshops is a condition of receiving the rebate).
As each scheme varies, check the terms and conditions on your council’s website carefully (often before purchasing is a good idea) to make sure you’re eligible and can provide the necessary proof to make a claim.
What if my council is not on the list?
If your council is not currently offering a rebate scheme, as a local resident you could lobby them to start! The Australian Nappy Association has a helpful council letter template available for download at this link.
Aware of any new rebates or updates?
We will endeavour to keep this list up to date but schemes are changing from time to time. The great thing is that more and more councils are coming on board, and some councils are trialling rebate schemes before assessing whether to roll out permanently. If you notice any we have missed or details have changed then please let us know.
Participating councils by state
NSW
Albury City Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $200) for the purchase of cloth nappies (includes swim nappies, reusable inner liners for nappies)
NB: Purchases are eligible for the rebate from July 1 – June 30 each year but applications will only be received and processed from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023. The rebate is on a first in first served basis, until funds are exhausted.
Blacktown City Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of reusable nappies.
City of Paramatta – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $150) for the purchase of reusable nappies (includes cloth and swim nappies, reusable inner liner for nappies, reusable wipes, wet bags, reusable nursing breast pads) with proof of purchase.
Federation Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of reusable nappies.
NB: Purchases are eligible for the rebate from July 1 – June 30 each year but applications will only be received and processed from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023. The rebate is on a first in first served basis, until funds are exhausted.
Greater Hume Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of reusable nappies.
NB: Purchases are eligible for the rebate from July 1 – June 30 each year but applications will only be received and processed from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023. The rebate is on a first in first served basis, until funds are exhausted.
Hornsby Shire Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $150) for the purchase of cloth nappies (includes reusable inner liner for nappies, swim nappies and reusable wipes
NB: Trial now closed as the available budget for 2021/22 has been fully expended. Awaiting updates as to whether the program will resume in future.
Liverpool City Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $150) for the purchase of reusable nappies (includes fitted cloth and swim nappies, reusable night nappies, all in two nappies, terry towelling/prefold nappies) with proof of purchase.
NB: Currently closed due to funds being exhausted. Awaiting updates as to whether the program will resume in future.
Sutherland Shire Council – A rebate up to the maximum of $50 for the purchase of reusable nappies (includes cloth nappies, swim nappies, reusable inner liner for nappies and wet bags)
Wagga Wagga City Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of modern cloth nappies (Includes fitted nappies, all-in-one nappies, all-in-two nappies, pocket nappies, night nappies, swim nappies and terry towelling/prefold nappies, nappy inserts and liners).
Accessories such as wet bags, nappy pods, strainers / buckets / pails, laundry products, change mats, wipes, nappy rash cream, nappy change harness, swaddles and breast/nursing pads are not eligible for the rebate.
NB: Six-month trial ended Jan 2022, awaiting updates on whether program will be reopened.
VIC
Cardinia Shire Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $150) for the purchase of cloth nappies (includes reusable swim nappies, reusable inner liners for nappies, reusable baby wipes, wet bags)
City of Ballarat – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of reusable nappies (includes cloth nappies, reusable swim nappies, reusable training nappies, reusable inner liner for nappies, reusable wet bags, and reusable wipes for cloth nappy use).
NB: Six-month trial introduced 1 March 2022
City of Casey – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of reusable nappies(includes cloth and swim nappies, reusable inner liner for nappies, reusable wipes, wet bags, reusable nursing breast pads.
City of Whittlesea – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of cloth nappies (includes reusable nappies, reusable inserts, reusable swim nappies, reusable baby wipes, wet bags for reusable nappies, reusable nursing pads).
City of Wodonga – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of reusable nappies.
NB: Purchases are eligible for the rebate from July 1 – June 30 each year but applications will only be received and processed from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023. The rebate is on a first in first served basis, until funds are exhausted.
NB: Reusable nappy rebate trial ran from September 2021 to May 2022 and funds now exhausted. Council to confirm plans for 2022-23.
Indigo Shire Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of reusable nappies.
NB: Purchases are eligible for the rebate from July 1 – June 30 each year but applications will only be received and processed from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023. The rebate is on a first in first served basis, until funds are exhausted.
Mornington Shire Peninsula – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of reusable nappies (including reusable swim nappies, reusable nappy liners and reusable baby wipes)
Towong Shire Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of reusable nappies.
NB: Purchases are eligible for the rebate from July 1 – June 30 each year but applications will only be received and processed from January 1, 2023 until June 30, 2023. The rebate is on a first in first served basis, until funds are exhausted.
Wyndham City – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) for the purchase of cloth nappies
QLD
Livingstone Shire Council – A monthly draw to win $100 toward the purchase of modern cloth nappies (includes reusable swim nappies, reusable inner liners for nappies, reusable baby wipes and wet bags)
SA
City of Holdfast Bay – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) on the purchase of modern cloth nappies.
WA
City of Albany – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) on the purchase of reusable cloth nappies (includes All-in-ones, All-in-twos, reusable swim nappies, terry/pre-fold nappies, and nappy liners, boosters and inserts if purchased with cloth nappies. Accessories, for example: wipes and wet bags, are not eligible for rebate.
NB: Rebate trial valid until June 2022, awaiting updates on future years.
City of Armadale – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) on the hire or purchase of modern cloth nappies. Residents must have attended an eligible Modern Cloth Nappy workshop within the 6 months prior to submitting an application.
City of Bayswater – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) on the hire or purchase of modern cloth nappies (includes All-in-ones, All-in-twos, reusable swim nappies, terry/pre-fold nappies, and nappy liners, boosters and inserts if purchased with cloth nappies).
Accessories, for example: wipes and wet bags, are not eligible for rebate. Residents must have attended an eligible Modern Cloth Nappy workshop within the 6 months prior to submitting an application.
City of Cockburn – Rebate of up to $50 on new cloth nappy purchases (including cloth baby wipes, nursing breast pads and wet bags) or a discounted nappy library service with the Nappy Guru. Residents must have attended a Nappy Guru Modern Cloth Nappy workshop within the 6 months prior to submitting an application.
City of Fremantle – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $150) on the hire or purchase of modern cloth nappies. Accessories, for example: wipes and wet bags, are not eligible for rebate. Residents must have attended a Nappy Guru Modern Cloth Nappy workshop within the 6 months prior to submitting an application.
NB: Rebate on offer until 30 June 2022, awaiting updates for future years.
City of Melville – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) on the hire or purchase of modern cloth nappies. Residents must have attended an eligible Modern Cloth Nappy workshop within the 6 months prior to submitting an application.
Shire of Augusta Margaret River – A rebate of up to $100 towards the purchase of cloth nappies.
Town of Bassendean – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) on the hire or purchase of modern cloth nappies. Residents must have attended an eligible Modern Cloth Nappy workshop within the 6 months prior to submitting an application.
Town of East Fremantle – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) on the hire or purchase of modern cloth nappies. Accessories, for example: wipes and wet bags, are not eligible for rebate. Residents must have attended a Nappy Guru Modern Cloth Nappy workshop within the 6 months prior to submitting an application.
TAS
City of Hobart – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $50) of modern cloth nappies including swim nappies.
NB: The offer is available to the first 100 eligible applicants until all funds are expended.
NT
Litchfield Council – A 50% rebate (up to a maximum of $100) on the purchase of cloth nappies.
NB: As of Feb 2022 the program is closed due to funds being exhausted, awaiting council updates if the program resumes.