Your Council Might Owe You $300: The Complete Guide to Australian Cloth Nappy & Wipes Rebates
Actual cash. In your bank account. For buying reusables. Here's how to claim yours in under 5 minutes.
Here's something that blows most parents' minds: 47 Australian councils will literally pay you to switch to cloth nappies and reusable wipes.
We're not talking about a discount code or a voucher for something you don't want. We're talking cold, hard cash—up to $300—deposited directly into your bank account.
Too good to be true? We thought so too. Then we built a tool to help families find out if they're eligible.
🔍 Check Your Rebate in 10 Seconds
Before we dive into the details, let's cut to the chase. We've created a free rebate checker tool that tells you instantly whether your council offers a rebate—and exactly how much you could get back.
Just type in your suburb or council name. That's it.
✅ 47 councils currently offering rebates
✅ Up to $300 cash back
✅ 7 states covered
✅ Includes cloth wipes, swim nappies & wet bags
If your council doesn't offer a rebate yet, our tool even gives you a ready-to-send email template to request one. More on that later.
Why Are Councils Paying Parents to Use Cloth?
Let's talk about why this money exists in the first place.
The waste problem is massive:
- 4 million disposable nappies go to Australian landfills every single day
- Each child uses roughly 6,000 disposables before toilet training
- Nappies and wipes make up 9-10% of household garbage
- Every single disposable takes 200-500 years to break down
Councils are spending millions dealing with this waste. So they've done the maths: it's cheaper to pay you to prevent the waste than to deal with it later.
Translation: They save money. You get paid. The planet wins. Everyone's happy.
What Can You Actually Claim?
Most programs reimburse 50% of your purchase, capped at a maximum amount (usually $50-$200, with some going up to $300).
Typically eligible items include:
- Cloth nappies ✓
- Reusable cloth wipes ✓
- Swim nappies ✓
- Wet bags ✓
- Nappy inserts and liners ✓
- Reusable breast pads ✓
- Training pants ✓
Many councils also cover reusable sanitary products and incontinence items—so it's worth checking even if your kids are past the nappy stage.
The Quick Stats: Rebates by State
Here's what we found when we researched all 537 Australian councils:
| State | Councils with Rebates | Highest Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 20 councils | $150 (Cardinia, Strathbogie) |
| NSW | 16 councils | $200 (Blacktown) |
| Queensland | 4 councils | $300 (Townsville) |
| South Australia | 4 councils | $150 (Tea Tree Gully) |
| Northern Territory | 2 councils | $100 |
| Tasmania | 1 council | $50 (Hobart) |
| Western Australia | Multiple councils | Varies |
Victoria is leading the charge with 20 councils offering programs—almost half of all Australian rebates.
Queensland has the biggest single rebate: Townsville offers a whopping $300 back.
Councils That Confirm Wipes Are Included
This is the question we get asked most: "Can I claim for cloth wipes too?"
These councils explicitly include reusable wipes:
| Council | State | Max Rebate | Wipes Confirmed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner West | NSW | $150 | ✅ Yes |
| Parramatta | NSW | $150 | ✅ Yes |
| Penrith | NSW | $100 | ✅ Yes |
| Sutherland Shire | NSW | $50 | ✅ Yes |
| Waverley | NSW | $100 | ✅ Yes |
| Hawkesbury | NSW | $100 | ✅ Yes |
| Ballarat | VIC | $100 | ✅ Yes |
| Cardinia | VIC | $150 | ✅ Yes |
| Casey | VIC | $100 | ✅ Yes |
| Mornington Peninsula | VIC | $100 | ✅ Yes |
| Strathbogie | VIC | $150 | ✅ Yes |
| Whittlesea | VIC | $100 | ✅ Yes |
| Onkaparinga | SA | $100 | ✅ Yes |
| Livingstone | QLD | $100 | ✅ Yes |
For councils not on this list, we recommend checking directly—many include wipes but don't explicitly state it on their website.
👉 Use Our Rebate Checker to See Your Council's Details
How to Claim Your Rebate (4 Simple Steps)
The process is surprisingly painless:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Use our rebate checker tool or visit your council website. Most require you to be a current resident with proof of address.
Step 2: Make Your Purchase
Buy your cloth nappies, wipes, or other eligible items. Keep your receipt—you'll need it. Most councils require purchases made within the last 3-6 months.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
You'll typically need:
- Proof of residence (rates notice or utility bill)
- Photo ID
- Itemised receipt showing each product and price
Step 4: Submit & Get Paid
Fill out the online form (most councils have gone digital). Money usually lands in your account within 2-4 weeks.
Pro tip: Make sure your receipt clearly shows the retailer name, date, and individual items—not just a total.
Real Numbers: What This Means for Your Wallet
Let's do some quick maths on what these rebates actually mean:
Scenario: You buy our Reusable Cloth Wipes System ($229)
| Your Council | Rebate | Your Actual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Townsville | $300 | FREE + $71 profit |
| Blacktown | $200 | $29 |
| Cardinia/Inner West | $150 | $79 |
| Penrith/Casey | $100 | $129 |
| Sutherland/Hobart | $50 | $179 |
And remember—this is on top of the $1,400+ you'll save over two years by not buying disposable wipes.
What If Your Council Isn't Offering a Rebate?
Don't give up. Here's what you can do:
1. Double-Check First
Council websites aren't always easy to navigate. Try searching:
- "[Council name] cloth nappy rebate"
- "[Council name] sustainability rebate"
- "[Council name] waste reduction program"
2. Use Our Email Template
We've built a feature into our rebate checker that generates a ready-to-send email template for your council. If your search shows no rebate, you'll see a button to copy the template directly.
👉 Check Your Council & Get the Template
The template covers:
- Why rebates matter for waste reduction
- Examples of successful programs at other councils
- The financial benefits for families
- An offer to provide feedback or help develop a program
Councils listen to residents. The more people who ask, the more likely they are to act. Many current programs started because parents like you requested them.
Tips to Maximise Your Rebate
1. Bundle Your Purchase Don't forget that wipes, wet bags, and breast pads are often eligible. Buy everything together to maximise your claim.
2. Time It Right Some programs run on "first come, first served" or have annual budget limits. Don't wait until June to apply.
3. Check for Workshops Some WA councils require attendance at a free cloth nappy workshop before claiming. Bonus: you often get free samples.
4. Keep Everything Organised Make sure your receipt shows:
- Retailer name and ABN
- Date of purchase
- Itemised list (not just a total)
- Your name (if possible)
5. Combine Discounts Buy during a sale, use a discount code, THEN claim your rebate on top. Triple win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim for second-hand nappies? Some councils accept pre-owned items with adequate proof of purchase. Check your specific council's terms.
Do I need to use cloth full-time? Nope. Even part-time cloth use makes a difference. Use them at home, disposables when out—whatever works for your family.
How long does the rebate take? Typically 2-4 weeks, though some councils are faster.
Is it one rebate per child? Usually one per household, regardless of how many children you have. Some councils allow separate claims for nappy and sanitary product rebates.
Can I claim if I already bought cloth nappies? Yes! Most councils accept receipts from the past 3-6 months. Check the specific timeframe for your council.
What about daycare centres? Residential rebates are typically for households only. Centres should contact their council about business sustainability programs.
The Bottom Line
47 councils. Up to $300. Real money in your pocket.
Australian councils are literally paying families to reduce waste, save money, and make better choices. The rebates are real, the process is simple, and combined with the long-term savings of reusables, it's genuinely a no-brainer.
Whether your council offers $50 or $300—or nothing yet—there's never been a better time to check.
Takes 10 seconds. Could save you hundreds.
Ready to Get Started?
Step 1: Check your rebate eligibility
Step 2: Shop our Reusable Cloth Wipes System
Step 3: Submit your claim and get paid
Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.
Last updated: December 2025. Rebate programs change regularly—always confirm details with your council before purchasing. Data sourced from council websites and verified December 2025.