Council and democracy

New mums' real nappy incentive to reduce waste

150 new mums in Croydon are to be given a financial incentive to adopt reusable cotton nappies for their babies.

If Croydon Council succeeds in convincing at least three quarters of the mums to make a permanent switch then more than 90 tonnes of waste could be diverted from landfill in just two years.  There would also be a cash saving of over £4,400 throughout the same period.

The scheme is being promoted by the council’s environment and sustainability team as a way of tackling the huge amount of waste involved in plastic disposable nappies. Number crunchers have worked out that 4,821 tonnes of disposable nappy waste in generated in the borough each year - over 3% of total collected waste and costing nearly £250,000 to handle.

Through the real nappy incentive trial, eligible mums will be offered two options: either a month’s free use of a local nappy laundry service or £50 of vouchers towards the cost of a starter nappy kit. The council hopes that a majority of those taking up the trial offer will make a permanent switch and that gradually, the benefits of reusable nappies will be widely understood by new mothers.

Similar schemes are already running in 20 of London's boroughs.

Said cabinet member for environment and highways, Councillor Phil Thomas:  “We’re going to have to become less of a throwaway society if we're to make a real and lasting impact on reducing waste.  Disposable nappies may be regarded as a convenience by many parents - but their cumulative effect on the borough's waste is immense.

"Through this incentive scheme we hope to encourage a switch back to traditional, reusable nappies. If successful this will make a big contribution to driving down levels of waste. It will also help reinforce the recycling messaged and help establish good habits at an early stage within young families."

The trial is expected to get under way in August and will be particularly focused on low income families in the borough.