Reusable nappies: research
Provides commentary on a range of motivations and barriers associated with reusable nappies and makes a number of recommendations to encourage increased uptake among families in Scotland.
Appendix D: Reusable nappy schemes in Scotland
Scheme Name: Dumfries and Galloway Council Real nappy project
Local Authority Area: Dumfries and Galloway
Scheme type: Cash-back scheme
Operated by: Dumfries and Galloway Council
Operational Since: Around 2006
Scheme description: Offers up to £30 cashback for purchasing reusable nappies (if you buy reusable nappy products from £50 or over)
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources: No info available on council’s website. Most of the information is from other websites/ news articles:
Celebrate Real Nappy Week - DNG Online Limited (dng24.co.uk) (Appears to be linked with Dumfries Nappy library).
Go Real - Nappy information page on local authority services
Dumfries and Galloway Nappy Library - Facebook group
Scheme Name: Real Nappy Incentive Scheme
Local Authority Area: North Ayrshire
Scheme type: Nappy incentive scheme/ free trial kit (became the first council to offer free nappy packs from ‘birth to potty.’)
Operated by: North Ayrshire council
Operational Since: October 2019
Scheme description: Two different nappy pack options.
1. Trial Tester pack (free trial) containing what is needed to trial out cloth nappies for a baby. It is recommended to trial these before committing to option two.
2. Birth to potty (enhanced pack): provides a full set of one-sized reusable nappies, liners and laundry bag.
Must be a resident of North Ayrshire and have a baby (nappy wearing age) or expecting.
Scheme impacts: Reported that families can save up to £1,300 for each child using the scheme. While also reducing the environmental impact of disposable nappies (40%).
Sources:
Real Nappy Incentive Scheme - North Ayrshire information page
Reducing Plastics - North Ayrshire Council report
Scheme Name: Real Nappy Grants
Local Authority Area: Inverclyde
Scheme type: Grant scheme
Operated by: Inverclyde council
Operational Since: September 2008 (short life trial)
Scheme description: Offer grants up to £80 that contribute to the costs of reusable nappies. They are issued on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Need a proof of purchase.
Scheme impacts: Short life trial was successful and there were 23 applicants showing interest in the scheme. (Do not have updated information on the scheme after the short life trial in 2008).
Sources:
Real nappy grants - Inverclyde Council
Council report on promoting real nappies
Scheme Name: East Ayrshire Real Nappy Network (EARNN)
Local Authority Area: East Ayrshire
Scheme type: Nappy incentive scheme/ free kit
Operated by: East Ayrshire Council
Operational Since: June 2005
Scheme description: In 2005, East Ayrshire Council received £21,452 from the WRAP fund used “to encourage the establishment of Real Nappy Networks and Campaigns with the aim of reducing the number of parents using disposable nappies.” In a response to stopping their free weekly disposable nappy collection service (2020), they produced a more environmentally friendly initiative: parents are given the option of being provided with a free supply of reusable nappies from ‘birth to potty’.
Scheme impacts: In an East Ayrshire council report it is noted how EARNN had conducted a pilot study where 10 sets of parents were given a full supply of reusable nappies. Then, a report of their views of the reusable nappies/ length of use can be assessed (cannot find the final report).
Sources:
Difficult to find information on scheme, mostly found in news articles, some on the council website:
East Ayrshire Council report on nappies and waste minimisation
Review of waste management frequently asked questions · East Ayrshire Council webpage
East Ayrshire's weekly nappy collections officially axed - Daily Record article
Scheme Name: The Highland Nappy Network
Local Authority Area: NHS Highland area, Moray, the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland
Scheme type: Nappy library
Operated by: Voluntary organisation (volunteers in different areas of the Highlands and Moray)
Operational Since: November 2001 (Former name: The Highland Real Nappy Project)
Scheme description: Hire reusable nappy kits out; Provide free independent advice; Run events and demonstrations; Sell old nappies/ accessories. Courier service available for areas outwith those served by volunteers.
Scheme impacts: Between 2008-2018, it was reported by Gale Action Forum that each year the scheme diverted 400 tons of nappy waste from Highland landfill sites. The Highland Real Nappy Project - GALE Action Forum
Sources:
The Nappy Network - information page
The Highland Real Nappy Project - GALE Action Forum
Scheme Name: Edinburgh Real Nappy Community
Local Authority Area: Edinburgh city
Scheme type: Nappy library
Operated by: Volunteer run community group. Edinburgh City Council formerly funded a local initiative called the Real Nappy Project; however, budget cuts led the project to end. The Edinburgh Real Nappy Community was then formed.
Operational Since: Around 2016
Scheme description: Run regular events and offer advice. Hire out kits: ‘Lending kits’: Can be borrowed for up to 4 weeks (6 weeks if newborn). The fee is £20 and there is a refundable deposit of £40. Provides an opportunity to try out cloth nappies (not for 24/7 use)
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Edinburgh Real Nappy Community - information page
Edinburgh Real Nappy Community Group - Facebook group (private group)
Scheme Name: Nappy library (National Childbirth Trust)
Local Authority Area: Aberdeen City and Shire
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: Charity: The National Childbirth Trust. The nappy library is run by volunteers.
Operational Since: Facebook group was created in 2017. No further info available.
Scheme description: Offer ‘impartial’ advice. Have a hire service/ nappy library where you submit a form and a volunteer will set you up with a reusable nappy kit. The form includes information of what comes with each kit. Full birth to potty kits: £10 per 4 weeks (+ returnable deposit of £30). Newborn kits: £20 for 2 months, (+ £30 deposit). Toddler kit: £5 for 4 weeks (+ £30 returnable deposit). Hiring is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
NCT Aberdeen Nappy Library - Facebook Group (Facebook group is private)
Nappy Library - Aberdeen City and Shire - information page
Scheme Name: Helensburgh Nappy Library
Local Authority Area: Helensburgh, Argyll, and Bute
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: Community group/ run by volunteers
Operational Since: Facebook group was created in March 2019. No further info available.
Scheme description: In 2021 they began hiring out reusable nappy kits (also sell some reusable nappies). Have meet-ups (host events with trained professionals etc). Facebook page also provides tips and general advice about using reusable nappies.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Helensburgh Nappy Library | Helensburgh | Facebook (being updated regularly)
The nappy library has been featured on Zero Waste Scotland’s website: Community-led climate action | Zero Waste Scotland
Scheme Name: Dumfries and Galloway Nappy Library
Local Authority Area: Dumfries and Galloway
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: A parent/ volunteer run community group (part of a wider charity group in Dumfries: Bump Baby and Beyond- founded in 2010)
Operational Since: Facebook group created July 2013. No further info available.
Scheme description:
Provides free reusable nappy advice. Nappy hire service (request via Facebook). Monthly hires to test out cloth nappies. Individual nappies/ booster kits, £1 per month. Full kits- 20 nappies & accessories, £10 per month. Birth to potty kit, £10 per month. Offer free long term loan kits (from donations/ old stock). Have regular meet ups (Nappy Natter).
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Dumfries and Galloway Nappy Library - information page
Dumfries and Galloway Nappy Library - Facebook group (being updated regularly)
Scheme Name: Dundee Cloth Nappies
Local Authority Area: Dundee
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: Community group (local volunteers)
Operational Since: Facebook created March 2013. No further info available.
Scheme description: Offer advice to local parents/ expecting parents. Have a nappy library so that parents can try different types/ brands.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Dundee Cloth Nappies - Facebook group (last post September 2022)
Scheme Name: Fife Real Nappy Library
Local Authority Area: Fife (Based in Kirkcaldy)
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: Community group
Operational Since: Facebook created April 2013. No further info available.
Scheme description: Host regular events, demonstrations, advice etc. Hire out reusable nappies (some are free). Include everything that is needed to be able to use reusable nappies on your child (comes with the nappies and accessories).
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Fife Real Nappy Library - Facebook group (last post June 2023)
Guest blog from Fife Real Nappy Library - Greener Kirkcaldy
Getting started with reusable nappies - Greener Kirkcaldy blog post
Scheme Name: Falkirk Nappy Library
Local Authority Area: Falkirk
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: Community group (run by volunteers)
Operational Since: 2013 (Originally called Falkirk Real Nappies)
Scheme description: Monthly nappy chats/ events. Provide advice/ support. Offer two types of nappy kits to hire: Newborn kit (up to 6 weeks): £10 a month (and a £10 refundable deposit). Birth to potty kit: £20 a month (and a £20 refundable deposit). Sell nappies starting at £1 (at some events).
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Falkirk Nappy Library - Konect information page
Falkirk real nappies - Facebook group page (being updated regularly)
Falkirk Nappy Library - information page
Scheme Name: West Lothian Real Nappy Library
Local Authority Area: West Lothian
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: Listed as a non-profit organisation. Community group.
Operational Since: Facebook created in October 2016. No further info available.
Scheme description: Provides loan kits and advice for parents who are interested in trying out cloth nappies. Host cloth nappy meet-ups. Also sell old nappies.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
West Lothian real nappies - Facebook group (last post January 2024)
Scheme Name: Lanarkshire Real Nappy Project
Local Authority Area: Lanarkshire
Scheme type: Nappy library and grant scheme
Operated by: Listed as a non-profit organisation. Run by a volunteer group. South Lanarkshire Council are working with the volunteer group to provide an incentive scheme. The Real Nappy Project received money from Lanarkshire Councils Emergency Climate Change fund to buy nappy kits to hire them out to the community (2022, 2023). Also has connections with Swaddle, who are a not-for-profit shop for babies located in the Hamilton area.
Operational Since: Facebook created in 2013. In May 2016, it was taken over by new admins (the same people who run the Facebook group: Lanarkshire Cloth Bum Mums).
Scheme description: Provide hire kits (to test out what works best for the parent/baby): £20 for 6 weeks (plus a £20 refundable deposit). They offer both newborn kits and birth to potty kits. Have regular demonstration nights/ events.
Incentive scheme with South Lanarkshire council: (proposed to) make one off grants (£65) for parents, to encourage the use of reusable nappies.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Facebook group page - Lanarkshire real nappy project (being updated regularly)
Help to make change to disposable nappies - South Lanarkshire View - news article
Lanarkshire Real Nappy Project holding Hamilton event on February 22 - Daily Record article
Lanarkshire Cloth Bum Parents - Facebook group (private group)
South Lanarkshire Council raises awareness for Reusable Nappy Week - Daily Record article
Scheme Name: Glasgow Sling Library
Local Authority Area: Greater Glasgow and Clyde: Clackmannanshire, East Dunbartonshire, Falkirk, Glasgow City, Stirling.
Scheme type: Sling Library (lend out reusable nappies too)
Operated by: Listed as a ‘not for profit social enterprise.’ Community group
Operational Since: Incorporated February 2020
Scheme description: Have ‘nappy natter’ sessions, giving advice etc. Have some newborn and birth to potty kits for lending (£20 per loan). Offer reduced costs/ some free services for families who require it.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Glasgow Sling Library - nappy kit information page
Facebook group page - Glasgow sling library (being updated regularly)
Glasgow Sling Library - Company Information page
Your Support Your Way Glasgow - Glasgow Sling Library information page
Glasgow Sling Library – Community Wellbeing Exchange information page
Scheme Name: Woodlands Cloth Nappy Community
Local Authority Area: Glasgow (West End)
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: Community group. (Part of Woodlands community- have many different ongoing project/ activities: community garden, baby groups, fruit/veg box collections, wellbeing walks etc.)
Operational Since: January 2021
Scheme description: Operate “borrowing” services that provide parents with all they need to use cloth nappies with their babies. Offer phone advice along the way. Hold monthly online “Nappy cafes”.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Woodlands Cloth Nappy Community - Facebook Group (Last post was April 2023)
Woodlands Cloth Nappy Cafe (Online) & Borrowing Service — Woodlands Community
Scheme Name: Glasgow Cloth Nappies
Local Authority Area: Glasgow
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: Community group (run by mums). Also work with Merry-go-round (use their facilities to host ‘Nappuccino’ meet-ups)
Operational Since: Facebook created October 2011. No further info available.
Scheme description: Hold monthly catch-ups: ‘Nappucinos.’ They have trial cloth nappy kits available. Information from an online forum suggests that there are 2 types of trial packs that can be borrowed for 2 weeks (£10). Include a variety of reusable nappies. Newborn loan kits can be rented for 6 weeks (£15). Merry-go-round: has a nappy library and has pre-worn cloth nappies for sale too.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Glasgow Cloth Nappy - Trial and loan kits - Netmums information page
Facebook group page - Glasgow Cloth Nappies (last post was July 2023)
Merry Go Round Glasgow - Shop information webpage
Scheme Name: Ayrshire Nappy Library
Local Authority Area: Ayrshire
Scheme type: Nappy Library
Operated by: Volunteer-run
Operational Since: Facebook page created August 2013. No further info available.
Scheme description: Offer a reusable nappy kit. Standard hire kits are £10 and a £15 deposit. Can buy ‘pre-loved’ nappies for a minimum of £1. Have free trial kits, community kits (£10, no deposit) and monthly meet-ups.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Ayrshire Nappy Library to hold educational cloth nappy meet-ups - Irvine Times news article
Facebook group page - Ayrshire nappy library (being updated regularly)
Ayrshire Nappy Library Meet - Irvine - Stayhappening event information page
Scheme Name: Grampian Real Nappy Project
Local Authority Area: Aberdeen/ Grampian area
Scheme type: Nappy library (lend nappy kits)
Operated by: Charity: Aberdeen Forward
Operational Since: No clear information available.
Scheme description: Information/advice (including talks and demonstrations to groups and healthcare professionals). Hold Nappuccinos (to chat with other parents). Offer free reusable nappy lending kits. Sell reusable nappies. Also buy back nappies that are no longer needed. Have volunteer networks.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Grampian Real Nappy Project - Aberdeen Voice information page (no information after 2010)
Scheme Name: Orkney Nappy Library
Local Authority Area: Orkney Islands
Scheme type: Nappy library
Operated by: Community group. Initially re-launched by Orkney Zerowaste, however, is administrated by a community group now.
Operational Since: Facebook created November 2019. No further info available.
Scheme description: Offer a lending scheme, where reusable nappies can be rented out (£5 hire fee per month). Have multiple different styles in the kit for parents to trial nappies. Also offer a chatting service to show what is available and speak about any problems they are having with reusable nappies. Include demonstrations to parents/ parents-to-be about nappy types. There are also in-person/online events where those interested can share their experiences and socialise with each other, creating a network.
Scheme impacts: Not assessed
Sources:
Facebook group page - Orkney nappy library (being updated regularly)
Orkney Islands Council information page on nappies
Orkney Real Nappy Network - Facebook group (private group)
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