The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is launching a reusable nappy, sanitary and incontinence product pilot rebate program to reduce waste in landfill and assist residents in accessing affordable reusable items.

The three-month pilot program is open to all Macedon Ranges residents in line with Council’s Waste and Resource Recovery Management Strategy and informed by similar programs run by other councils. The program offers rebates on reusable items such as cloth nappies, nursing pads, cloth pads and period underwear.

Council’s Director Assets and Operations, Shane Walden, said the pilot program would mean that at least 50 households – and potentially more – would be able to participate initially.

“About 660 million disposable nappies, sanitary and incontinence products end up in landfill in Australia each year – through this pilot, we’re encouraging residents to consider the products they use,” he said.

“We have seen this type of initiative offered by other councils and received requests for it from our community. We are confident that it will be well received and complement our ongoing efforts to divert waste from landfill.

“We will review the pilot program results, and if there is a strong uptake, we can then consider steps to make it an annual program.”

The pilot program will run until 31 June 2023. More information on eligible items, terms and conditions can be found here: mrsc.vic.gov.au/reusables

The rebate program is part of the ongoing reusable nappy program, which has regular workshops throughout the year to support families who are looking to learn more about cloth nappies: mrsc.vic.gov.au/nappies