Simple ways to reduce nappy waste
On average, a child will use 5,000 to 6,000 disposable nappies before becoming toilet trained, making nappies a significant source of household waste. In the 2025 waste audit of Merri-bek household bins, disposable nappies and period products made up 9% of waste going to landfill.
By making a few simple changes, you can reduce waste, save money, and lessen the environmental impact of disposable nappies. Every reusable nappy used helps reduce waste and supports a more circular economy by keeping valuable materials in use for longer.
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Choose Reusable Nappies
Modern cloth nappies are easy to use, comfortable, and available in a range of styles. Even using reusable nappies part-time can significantly reduce the number of disposable nappies sent to landfill. To support Merri-bek residents who want to cut their waste to landfill by making the switch to reusables Council offers a subsidy for cloth nappies and reusable continence or period products. More information is available on the Merri-bek Council Reducing waste webpage.
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Try Reusable Wipes
Swap disposable baby wipes for washable cloth wipes. They can be reused many times, helping to reduce waste and ongoing household costs.
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Borrow, Buy Second-hand or Share
Many reusable nappy products are designed for long-term use. Borrowing, buying second-hand, or joining local parent groups can help reduce costs and keep products in circulation.
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Repair, Reuse and Rehome
Extend the life of reusable nappies by replacing worn elastics, repairing fasteners, or reusing accessories where possible. When your child no longer needs nappies, rehome reusable nappies and accessories by selling, donating, or gifting them to another family.
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Recycle Disposable Nappies
Disposable nappies don’t always have to end up in landfill. The Diaper Recycle service collects and recycles used disposable nappies, recovering valuable materials to produce kitty litter. By participating in nappy recycling programs where available, families can help divert waste from landfill and support a more circular economy. More information on collection costs and how to access the service can be found on the Diaper Recycle website.
Want to know more? Come along to a cloth nappy workshop for a comprehensive introduction to cloth nappies that suits both expectant parents, and those who already have children in nappies. Find workshop dates on the news and events page.
