Parents urged to ditch disposable nappies for the cloth economy

Published on 14 July 2023

Hobart parents with tiny toddlers are being urged to join the clean cloth economy and ditch or reduce their reliance on disposable nappies during Plastic Free July. 

The City of Hobart offers residents a 50 per cent rebate on cloth nappies and reusable sanitary products as part of its push to reach zero waste to landfill by 2030.  

Acting Hobart Lord Mayor Helen Burnet said making the switch from disposable nappies to cloth nappies is kinder on the planet, the hip pocket, and has never been easier. 

"The days when cloth nappies were boring white towels are long gone - cloth nappies are now easy to use and wash, absorbent, and stylish," Cr Burnet said. 

"While the initial outlay to join the cloth economy can be daunting parents can save as much as $2000 a child from birth to toilet training by switching to cloth nappies. 

"You don't have to commit to full time cloth to make a real difference, substituting just one cloth nappy a day will stop more than 1000 disposable nappies ending up in landfill in a child's lifetime."       

City of Hobart Sustainability Portfolio Chair Councillor Bill Harvey said joining the cloth nappy economy was a great way of thinking globally, acting locally. 

"Every year 100 garbage trucks worth of disposable nappies end up in Hobart’s tip," Councillor Harvey said. 

"That's more than 450 tonnes of disposable nappies going into landfill every year. 

"By making the switch from disposables to cloth nappies parents can help Hobart reach its aim of zero waste to landfill by 2030, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money."  

Eligible City of Hobart residents can apply for a rebate for 50 per cent of the purchase price (maximum $50) of either: 

The offer is available until all funds are expended. The first 100 eligible applicants will be able to receive this offer. 

For further information on how to apply visit our cloth nappy rebate page.