Did you know in one year alone the average baby can fill 12 wheelie bins with disposable nappies. Every day in the UK 8 million disposable nappies are thrown away. There is an alternative available real nappies are reusable, washable nappies and a practical alternative to disposables. They are easy and cheap to use and help reduce rubbish going into landfill.
Leeds City Council has run a real nappy incentive scheme for a number of years to encourage and support families in Leeds who want to give them a go and save some money and the environment. Since the scheme started the families have saved nearly 700 tonnes of landfill waste.
As part of a big push to mark Real Nappy Week earlier this year, one lucky family in Leeds won the chance to kit out their baby in free environmentally-friendly nappies.
Lucy Halloway and her 8 month daughter Eloise won a birth to potty pack of Tots Bots nappies, along with lots of useful accessories, a prize worth over £200. Here they are enjoying them and the summer sunshine!
What is the real nappy incentive scheme?
Parents can either get a free trial pack or £30 cash back when they spend £50 on real nappies.
Trial packs
These are a good way to try the system, especially if it’s your first baby and you don’t know much about the real nappy system.
The trial pack includes:
- 1 Bum Genius v3 nappy
- 1 Pop-in nappy
- 10 x disposable paper liners
- Instructions and a list of suppliers
These are shaped nappies which can be adjusted to fit as your baby grows.
Cash back
The cash back option is good if you have already decided to use real nappies. Leeds City Council is offering £30 cash back on purchases over £50 from any supplier. This option does not include nappy accessories and proof of purchase will be required to claim the cash back.
This option allows you to:
- Choose your own style of nappy
- Use a nappy laundering service (see suppliers list)
Am I eligible for the real nappy incentive?
- The child's parents or guardian must be a resident within Leeds City Council boundary.
- The child must be under 12 months old or the expectant mother in receipt of a Mat B1 form.
- To apply for a trial pack or cash back please download a claim form and return to the address listed below with the relevant documentation as indicated on the claim form.
- One trial pack or cash back is available per child.
Real Nappy Incentive Scheme
Environmental Services Communications Team
Knowsthorpe Gate
Cross Green
Leeds
LS9 0NP
Families taking part in the incentive scheme will also be asked to complete a feedback form to help us assess the success of the scheme.
Please note the scheme is subject to availability.
If you require additional information please telephone 0113 395 0778 or email info.recycling@leeds.gov.uk quoting 'real nappy'.