Feasibility study on absorbing reusable diapers

Monash Council leads a Melbourne-based collaborative feasibility study on uptake of reusable nappies

The Monash Council led a feasibility study on reusable diapers with 12 other councils in Melbourne to research and understand how best practices for the reusable diaper program are being implemented.

With councils estimating that 5% to 15% of household landfill bins contain disposable diapers (by weight), the study questioned how best to reduce disposable diaper waste in landfill, support parents and caregivers and increase the use of reusable diapers. For the first time and continuing. .

The 5-month study involved a review of 9 Melbourne-based diaper programs, 4 Australia-wide and 3 international reusable diaper programs, and 12 reusable diaper brands – including a triple bottom line evaluation. Sociological research was also conducted with 2,282 prospective parents, current parents and caregivers across Melbourne.

This research found that 34% of participants used a combination of reusable and disposable nappies, while 18% used only reusable nappies. With up to 90% of waiting-to-work parents and caregivers open to help with the transition to reusable materials through interventions such as workshops, trial groups or advice from a trusted source.

Removing cost as a barrier was not a prominent reason for continued use of reusable nappies among existing users, and people who were already using reusable nappies were twice as likely than those using disposables to get an attractive discount.

Monash Mayor, Cr Stewart James, He said the feasibility study was a great example of the councils collaborating on important shared sustainability goals to reduce waste to landfill.

“What the feasibility study showed us is that it is still too early to establish a broad reusable diaper program that could make a real impact in reducing diaper waste that can be disposed of in landfill.”

“The research shows there are opportunities to start making an impact by encouraging more parents and caregivers to use reusable materials.

“The council is currently looking at ways we can help parents and caregivers do this, and people can sign up for the Monash Sustainable newsletter to be the first to know about programs in the future,” said Cree James.

To support continued use and absorption, the study recommends councils provide more education and more opportunities for prospective families and the community to try and connect with reusable diaper programs and products.

The reusable nappy feasibility report, Including the executive summary document, it can be found at shape.monash.vic.gov.au/reusable-nappies

This project is supported by the Circular Economy Councils Fund, which is provided by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian State Government.

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Originally published at Melbourne News Vine