Parents invited to try out FREE two-week cloth nappy trial

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is offering families the opportunity to try washable nappies for free for two weeks, as well as offering a £20 refund on the cost of buying reusable nappies.

A two-week trial will be made available to 10 families in support of a bid to reduce the use of disposable nappies.

Disposable nappies cannot be recycled so they generally make up a significant proportion of rubbish.

By swapping to cloth nappies, parents can dramatically reduce the amount of waste they put in general waste bins and send to landfill.

According to Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), by the time one baby is potty trained a baby could use 4,000 to 6,000 disposable nappies.

The UK disposes of around 3 billion disposable nappies each year, representing an estimated 2% to 3% of all household waste.

It is estimated that by using resusable nappies, the average household waste of families with babies can be halved, avoiding an average 750kg per household per year.

This scheme is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.

Due to COVID-19, nappy trials may take longer to arrange and there will be a delay to refund payments.

Council are working with The Library Group who will offer parents the free two week trial.

They will provide parents with all they need to give washable nappies a go.

To register your interest in the scheme, please email wastehelpdesk@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

A representative from the Library Group will contact parents to discuss your requirements, explain how the trial works and arrange a date and time for the nappy pack to be delivered to homes and collected after the trial period ends.

If you decide to use reusable nappies, you can apply for the £20 refund. You must spend £50 or more on washable nappies, excluding accessories. Parents can buy them from any retailer of their choice, including those online.

In order to claim your refund, you will need to complete an application form and return along with the original receipt(s).

Details on how to apply for the scheme, and how to claim your refund are available at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/clothnappy