Parents urged to pick cloth nappies

A DRIVE to encourage the region’s parents to choose old-school nappies is set to be pushed harder – after it was revealed that more than 2000 tonnes of disposable nappies end up in landfill each year. Research carried out a few years ago showed that nearly five percent of all non-recyclable waste in this region is dirty nappies. Small amounts have also been found amongst household recycling waste as residents dump soiled nappies in the wrong wheelie bins. A reusable nappy scheme – ‘The Real Nappy Project’ – has been operated by Dumfries and Galloway Council for many years. For years it has offered a £30 cashback scheme for reusable cloth nappies and wipes. To qualify, residents must spend a minimum of £50 on reusable nappies or wipes (excluding accessories) and provide itemised receipts. Council chiefs are now proposing an even better cash incentive to encourage parents to consider using cloth nappies more often. A waste strategy report, due to be tabled at the council’s economy and infrastructure committee next Tuesday, states: “Waste compositional analysis carried out in 2022/23 identified 4.7 percent of residual waste comprised of disposable nappies. This equates to 2010 tonnes per year. “Small amounts were also found in recyclates (0.3 percent in both paper and card and plastics and cans bins). “Disposable nappies take hundreds of years to decompose, and until a child is potty trained it is estimated between 3000 and 5000 nappies will be used. “The Real Nappy Project is in the process of being revamped, and an increased cashback of £50 on a £75 spend, to reflect the increasing cost of products over the last 19 years.” The Waste Service want to re-establish relationships with local groups including Dumfries and Galloway Nappy Library and Bump Baby and Beyond, as well as local maternity services to highlight it.

Meanwhile, a battery recycling scheme introduced in September 2024 has been hailed a success. Waste services have collected 8.78 tonnes of batteries at kerbside, and it has now been expanded to include all schools and commercial customers.