Northern Ireland

Mid Ulster Council to launch £1,500 reusable nappy scheme

Mid Ulster District Council is launching a £1,500 reusable nappy scheme.

The Council estimated this could save parents between £200 and £500 over 2.5 years for their first child and more if re-used for subsequent children.

It also estimated it could save up to £8,500 per year as a result of the reduction in the weight of household black bin usage if 50 households participate in this scheme each year.

Council will reimburse £30 to those who spend £50 or more on the purchase of reusable cloth nappies.

An initial budget of £1,500 for the scheme has been suggested which would allow for 50 families to participate.

Dungannon councillor Clement Cuthbertson welcomed the recommendation.

“I am glad we are doing this,” said Cllr Cuthbertson. “I suggested this scheme to the council and it is happening elsewhere.

“I am happy to propose it, I don’t believe there will be a massive uptake but it is not a big financial outlay and it is only right to offer this service to any one that wants it.”

Across the UK around three billion nappies are disposed of each year and the cost to parents is on average between £800 and £900 per year.

A child only requires 20 to 30 reusable nappies, which can also be reused by other siblings.

The scheme will be run on a first come, first served basis.