Ballina Shire Council Introduces Reusable Products Rebate for Residents
By Robert Heyward
Ballina Shire residents can now take advantage of the Council’s new Reusable Products Rebate, offering up to 50% off the purchase price of reusable nappies, period products, and continence management items. This initiative is designed to help residents make more sustainable choices, reducing both the environmental and economic impacts of disposable hygiene products.
The rebate is part of the Council’s ongoing effort to address waste management, recognizing that disposable nappies, period products, and continence items are a significant contributor to household landfill. According to Justine Rowe, Resource Recovery Education Officer, these products are the fourth largest waste stream by weight in household bins across Ballina Shire.
“Every day, people of all ages use these essential hygiene products. By switching to reusable alternatives, residents can make a real difference not only for the environment but also for their own health,” said Ms. Rowe.
The Reusable Products Rebate is funded by the Council’s 2024/25 Resource Recovery budget, with $10,000 allocated for the initiative. Importantly, this funding is independent of rates income, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to sustainability without increasing financial burdens on residents.
Why Make the Switch? Disposable hygiene products are not only resource-intensive to produce but also take centuries to decompose in landfills.
For example:
- Disposable nappies can take up to 500 years to break down.
- The average child uses around 1,825 disposable nappies annually, costing families about $3,500 per year, compared to $500-$1,500 for reusable alternatives.
- Reusable period and continence products offer even greater long-term savings.
By opting for reusable products, families can significantly reduce waste. If 100 families participate in the rebate program, over 180,000 nappies could be diverted from landfill annually. Similar waste reductions can be achieved with reusable period and continence products, which are often used over longer periods than nappies.
“I switched to reusable period products two years ago and wish I’d done it sooner,” Ms. Rowe shared. “On average, Australians who menstruate spend $10,000 over their lifetime on period products. By making the switch, I’m saving money and using natural fibres instead of plastics, which feels much better.”
Rebate Details
Ballina Shire residents can apply for rebates of 50% of the purchase price on the following products:
- Reusable nappies: Up to $150 per household
- Reusable period products: Up to $100 per household
- Reusable continence management products: Up to $100 per household
To apply, residents must provide proof of purchase and proof of residency within Ballina Shire by completing an online form available on the Council’s website.
For more information and to apply, visit Ballina Shire Council’s Reusable Products Rebate page.
