A region-wide scheme is helping parents reduce household waste and save money by making the switch to reusable nappies and wipes.
The Reusable Nappies & Wipes Project, led by Sustainable Starts CIC (formerly Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library), has used funding from the Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA) to help support up to 30 families to trial reusable options and learn more about low-waste parenting.
The project has been attempting to tackle the thousands of tonnes of disposable nappy waste generated in the region annually by offering accessible, low-cost trials of reusable alternatives. Reusable nappies can significantly cut household waste. Sustainable Starts estimates that if every baby under two in the region used just one reusable nappy a day, more than 2,000 tonnes of waste could be prevented annually.
Through the initiative, families in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, and Wirral have access to “satellite nappy libraries.” These hubs offer mini-starter kits containing a variety of reusable nappy brands designed to be easy to use, along with a free pack of reusable wipes to keep.
Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said: “We are delighted to support Sustainable Starts through this project. Disposable nappies are a significant contributor to household waste in our region, and they can take hundreds of years to decompose. By supporting community-led initiatives like this, we are empowering residents to make small changes that have a massive collective impact on our environment. This project is a fantastic example of the circular economy in action—reducing waste while supporting local families.”
The project addresses common barriers to using reusable nappies, such as the initial cost and confusion over different types. The hired kits are curated to “minimise overwhelm,” featuring popular, user-friendly brands. Families receive support through antenatal workshops, “nappuccino” information sessions, and an online portal available 24/7.
Hannah Shanderson, Director of Sustainable Starts CIC, said: “Our guiding philosophy is ‘Changing The World One Change At A Time.’ We know that switching to reusables can feel daunting for new parents, which is why we’ve designed these mini-kits to be as simple and stress-free as possible. Even swapping just one disposable nappy a day makes a difference. We are thrilled to provide support to families in every borough of the city region.”
Following their trial, families can choose to hire a larger “birth to potty” kit or purchase a pre-loved starter kit for just £25, ensuring the habit remains affordable and sustainable long-term.
The scheme runs until March 2026.
For more information on how to hire a kit or find your nearest satellite library, contact Sustainable Starts at sustainablestartscic@gmail.com.
ENDS