Ballina reusable products rebate aims to ease cost of living pressures

BALLINA Council has announced a cost-saving for the community when purchasing essential needs as part of the its Reusable Products Rebate.

Residents can now receive rebates of up to 50 per cent of the purchase price on reusable nappies, period products and continence management items.

The initiative aims to provide residents with an affordable option to make realistic, sustainable swaps to reduce the environmental and economic impact of sending disposable items to landfills.

Disposable hygiene products require more land and energy to produce than reusables and can take up to 500 years to decompose.

Resource Recovery Education Officer Justine Rowe said the rebate initiative was positive for consumers and the environment.

“These items are used every day by people of all ages,” she said.

“Disposable nappies, period products and continence management items are the fourth most prevalent waste stream by weight in household landfill bins across Ballina Shire.

“I switched to using reusable period products two years ago and only wish I switched sooner.

“The average Australian who menstruates will spend $10,000 in their lifetime on period products.

“I’m saving money, and I feel better knowing I’m using products made from natural fibres rather than plastics.”

While initial costs appear to be higher, a child will use, on average, 1825 disposable nappies per year, totalling about $3500.

In contrast, investing in reusable nappies can cost between $500 and $1500 in total.

On average, the rebate could reduce consumption of 1825 disposable nappies per child per year, 240 disposable period products per user per year and 1800 disposable incontinence pads per user per year.

If 100 families used the rebate, 180,000 nappies would be diverted from landfill each year.

Ballina Shire residents can apply for the 50 per cent rebates on reusable nappies, period products and continence management products up to a limit of $150, $100 and $100, respectively.

To apply, residents must provide a proof of purchase receipt and evidence of Ballina Shire residency.

An online form is available on the Council’s website at ballina.nsw.gov.au/reusable-products-rebate