The Penrith City Council is conducting a 12 month trial where residents can claim a rebate of up to $100 for the purchase of reusable nappies, sanitary products and rechargeable bateries with proof of purchase.

The trial aims to provide an incentive for residents to trial reusable options – helping to save you money and reduce waste to landfill.

Each household in the Inner West is eligible for one rebate per category. Separate applications are required for each.

• Cloth nappies – 50% of the purchase price (max. $100 rebate) 
  Includes cloth and swim nappies, reusable inner liner for nappies, reusable wipes, wet bags, reusable nursing breast pads.
  
  
• Reusable sanitary products – 50% of the purchase price (max. $100 rebate)
  Includes sanitary pads, sanitary cups, leak-proof underwear and wet bags.
  
  
• Reusable sanitary products – 50% of the purchase price (max. $100 rebate)
  Includes AAA, AA, C, D batteries and matching chargers.

Why are we running the trial?

Surprisingly, nappies and absorbent hygiene products are the second largest contributor to household garbage waste in Penrith, with audits showing that by weight, these products make up 9% of the material collected through the red-lidded general waste bin. Second only to food waste which makes up 46%.

Batteries are a big problem in our waste stream. They can’t be recycled in household recycling bins and are hazardous if not disposed of correctly. Using rechargeable household batteries reduces the amount of single-use battery waste produced in households and the risks they pose to our waste management services and processing facilities. Also, making the switch to rechargeable alternatives can save you money.  

Reusable products may cost a little more up-front, but in the long term, they can save you upwards of $1,000 a year. These rebates are being offered as an incentive to help reduce the upfront costs of reusable options, and encourage the shift away from single-use products. Helping to reduce waste, and save money!