A child can use around 4,000 nappies during their younger years. Nappies pose a risk of contamination in the recycling and FOGO bins, and takes around 500 years to decompose in a landfill. Disposable nappies are also considerably more expensive, around double the cost of modern cloth nappies cost annually.
To reduce the environmental impact of disposable nappies, the City of Fremantle is assisting residents to switch to modern cloth nappies.
There are two options:
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Option |
Cost |
Suitable for people |
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Rebate: Rebate of 50% (up to $100) on your choice of modern cloth nappies. Attendance at a modern cloth nappy workshop is required. |
Workshop ticket (free to $15) and cost of nappies (less rebate). |
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Subsidy: Receive a discounted Earthside Ecobum’s starter kit which includes 6 one-size-fits most nappies and a nappy bag. One-on-one online or in-person consultation at a time that suits you.
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$100, plus postage The subsidised and discounted Nappy Starter Kit includes 6 one-size-fits-most nappies and a nappy bag, saving almost $160. |
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The City is trialling both options to offer our residents more flexibility in switching to cloth nappies.
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Modern Cloth Nappy Rebate
Receive a rebate of 50%, up to $100, per household on the hire or purchase of modern cloth nappies. For example: Spend $90 and receive a $45 rebate or spend $400 and receive $100.
Attendance at a modern cloth nappy workshop is required for the successful use of cloth nappies. This can be hosted by the City (see What's On), or by another facilitator or local government (see ticket providers like Eventbrite or Humanitix for other options).
Workshops:
| Workshop Date | Time | Location | Tickets |
| Tuesday, 11 February 2025 | 12-2pm | Walyalup Civic Centre, Mardoo Lounge Lower Ground, 151 High Street Fremantle | Humanitix |
Eligibility
- City of Fremantle resident.
- Have not applied for the cloth nappy rebate or subsidy previously.
- Attend a cloth nappy workshop by the City of Fremantle, or hosted by another organisation, within 8 months of application.
- Purchase modern cloth nappies through an Australian supplier (with an ABN) or hire cloth nappies through the Nappy Guru, within eight months of application. Retain a copy of the tax invoice. Multiple receipts are acceptable for the application if required, however, only one application may be made per household.
Application
- Before submitting the online application, collect the following documents:
- Proof of residency is required (recent copy of driver’s license, rates notice, a rental agreement containing your name and address).
- Copy of tax invoices for purchase or hire. Receipts must clearly state the business details, ABN, listed items and the total amount of purchase.
- Proof of attendance at workshop that includes your name and workshop details, eg. snip of ticket confirmation.
- Submission via online e-form.
- An email confirmation will be sent on the outcome of your application.
- Successful applicants will have their rebate cheque posted within six weeks.
Types of nappies
Modern cloth nappies can be purchased through an Australian supplier (with an ABN). This includes all-in-ones, two-in-ones, swim nappies, terry/pre-fold nappies, and nappy liners, boosters, covers and inserts.
A hire option is also available from the Nappy Guru, which provides an opportunity to trial different brands, newborn options, or night nappies before committing.
Only modern cloth nappies will be considered for this rebate and can include fasteners, inserts, and covers. Accessories like wipes and wet bags, are not included. Postage costs are also not included.
Second-hand nappies are eligible for this rebate if purchased from a company that can provide a tax invoice.
More information
Please contact us at wasteed@fremantle.wa.gov.au
Modern Cloth Nappy Subsidy
A one-on-one 45-minute consultation session with Earthside EcoBums will teach you how cloth nappies work and what you will need and is available to answer all of your questions. The consultation session is available online or in-person, at a variety of times.
Once the consultation is complete, and your starter kit paid for, it will be posted to you (for a fee), or collected for free from EcoBums.
Eligibility
- City of Fremantle resident.
- Have not applied for the cloth nappy rebate or subsidy previously.
- Attend personalised consultation and pay for Nappy Starter Kit.
Application
- Before registering for the consultation, please have the following document ready: Proof of residency (recent copy of driver’s license, rates notice, a rental agreement containing your name and address).
- Register your interest for a one-on-one consultation with Earthside EcoBums here.
- Attend consultation.
- Pay $100 and postage costs (if not collecting in person) to Earthside EcoBums.
- Nappy Starter pack will be posted to you.
Nappy Starter Pack
Each pack includes:
- Six limited edition One-Size-Fits-Most complete cloth nappies
- One double pocket wet bag
More information
Please contact us at wasteed@fremantle.wa.gov.au
Earthside Ecobums Flyer for City of Fremantle Cloth Nappy Subsidy