Twenty-three families have taken part in a reusable cloth nappy scheme in Mid and East Antrim, councillors have been told.
A meeting of the borough council’s Direct Services Committee on Tuesday evening, heard that this has resulted in a saving of £81.75 to the authority towards landfill costs for each of the households involved.
The reusable nappy scheme operates by the council subsidising the purchase of reusable nappies on a one-off basis. At the end of a two-week trial, parents are given a £20 voucher to use towards the purchase of reusable nappies.
Mum Heather Murray described the scheme as “absolutely invaluable”.
“Being able to try out so many types of cloth nappies and cloth wipes for free was absolutely brilliant.
“I had no experience of cloth nappies, at all, so this scheme allowed me to get an idea of which type suited me and my baby. I then went on to purchase cloth nappies of the type I realised I liked best from the kit and I am still using them nearly a year later.”
According to Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), by the time a baby is potty-trained, the child would use between 4,000 and 6,000 disposable nappies.
A report to councillors says:
“The cost of disposable nappies over the lifetime of a baby is £770 based on the usage of 6,000 nappies. A reusable nappy kit is £265 on average.”
Councillors were told that the cost of continuing the scheme for another 12 months will amount to £1,560.
Coast Road Alliance councillor Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna said:
“It is great to see and great to see the support it is getting. I would propose we accept the recommendation.”
This proposal was seconded by Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Maeve Donnelly.
Party colleague Carrickfergus Councillor Lauren Gray asked if the council would give consideration to the provision of reusable sanitary products.