February 18th, 2024Rolling out rebates to reduce rubbish: Macedon Ranges shire takes action
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council has renewed its reusable nappy, sanitary and incontinence product rebate program to reduce waste in landfill and assist residents in accessing affordable reusable items.
The program, which was piloted last year with over 100 rebates given back to the community, provides up to 50 per cent back on the cost of reusable items such as cloth nappies, nursing pads, cloth pads, leak-proof and period underwear (capped at $100 for reusable cloth nappies and associated products, and $50 for sanitary and incontinence products).
The council’s Director Assets and Operations, Shane Walden, said the rebate not only offered an incentive to reduce waste, it would also help residents save money on essential items.
“We know people are doing it tough with the cost of living, so this initiative goes some way towards helping with that while at the same time helping the environment,” he said.
“Around 660 million disposable nappies, sanitary and incontinence products end up in landfill in Australia each year, so every little bit we can do to help reduce this number helps.”
The rebate program is open until 30 April or until funds are exhausted, and all Macedon Ranges residents are eligible to apply.
The council has also launched a Waste and Recycling Secondary School Grant Program, where secondary schools in the shire can apply for up to $2,000 to tackle a waste problem at their school.
The proposal must consider long-term solutions and sustainability under one of three categories:
- Recycling solutions (e.g. updated bin signage around the school)
- Food waste reduction (e.g. ‘Eat what you pack’ campaign)
- Waste reduction (e.g. swapping to reusable materials at the canteen)
“Young people in our shire are very proactive in wanting to help the environment, and this program will get them thinking about what else they can do in their day-to-day activities to help with waste reduction,” Mr Walden said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what innovative initiatives our local schools develop to help tackle this issue.”
Applications for the grant program close on 30 April with more information available from the council.
