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This article was published on Monday, 19 February, 2024. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

The Nappy and Incontinence Aid Collection Service turning waste into products

Summary

Greater Shepparton City Council has partnered with DiaperRecycle to process and recycle disposable nappy and incontinence product waste from residents.
DiaperRecycle, based in Melbourne, diverts used nappies and incontinence aids from landfill by recycling them into reusable plastic and cat litter, reducing environmental impact.
The Nappy and Incontinence Aid Collection Service, introduced last year, aims to help residents manage waste volume in red lid bins.
The service, with approximately 500 registered households and care centers, processes around 1,500 kg of waste per week, contributing significantly to Council and Victorian Government's 2030 waste diversion goals.

DiaperRecycle is an Australian business in Melbourne. They divert used disposable nappies and incontinence aids from landfill, by recycling them into other products. They produce reusable plastic for recyclers and a cat litter, which is made from the fibre found in disposable diapers.

Last year, Council introduced the collection service for nappies and incontinence aids to assist residents with managing the volume of waste in their red lid bin, following the kerbside collection frequency change.

The Nappy and Incontinence Aid Collection Service is provided to residents as part of Council’s current waste services, but is separate to the regular kerbside bin collection. Residents interested in the Nappy and Incontinence Aid Collection Service are required to register for the program via Council’s website.

Council’s Manager Resource Recovery, Liam Moller, said Greater Shepparton residents have welcomed the program.

“The service has approximately 500 registered households and care centres so far. The service is processing an estimated 1,500 kg of waste per week, diverting this waste from landfill,” he said.

“This is an outstanding contribution towards achieving both Council’s, and the Victorian Government’s, 2030 waste diversion objectives.”

CEO of DiaperRecycle, Cynthia Barnicoat, highlighted the importance of their mission.

“Our mission is to do something about climate change, by keeping this waste out of landfill and therefore decreasing emissions. We are also reusing valuable materials that should not be wasted,” she said.

“We are excited about working with Greater Shepparton, a Council that is obviously very committed to decreasing waste and reaching net zero targets, and not just talking about it but doing it.”

For more information or to sign up for the nappy service, please visit Council’s website greatershepparton.com.au/nappy, call Council’s Customer Service on 5832 9700, or email nappies@shepparton.vic.gov.au