Every Scots council could be told to introduce free reusable nappy scheme for parents by 2026

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Every council in Scotland would have to offer parents a free reusable nappy scheme under plans being tabled by a Labour MSP.Monica Lennon’s amendments to the Scottish Government’s Circular Economy Bill - to be debated in the coming weeks - would give local authorities until April 2026 to introduce a scheme.We revealed last year how just five of Scotland’s 32 councils offered some form of initiative for reusable diapers - also known as real or cloth nappies.Lennon said hard-up Scots could save hundreds of pounds a year on extortionate disposable nappies as well as help the planet by switching to the machine-washable alternative.In 2019, North Ayrshire Council became the first council to introduce free “birth to potty” reusable nappies for parents - with the scheme so popular there is now a waiting list.The Scottish Labour politician’s proposals say: “Each local authority must, by 30 April 2026, make a scheme for their area to provide free access to reusable diapers for a child to all persons who need them.”Lennon told the Record she hopes MSPs across the political divide would “unite” to back her plan.The Central Scotland MSP said: “Single-use nappies cost families a fortune and are terrible for the environment.“By backing these proposals, the Scottish Parliament can make it easier for parents to access free reusable nappies and introduce them to their routine.“It’s a win-win situation, as North Ayrshire Council has proven.“Households can have more money in their pockets for essentials and cash-strapped councils reduce their landfill bills.”Lennon added: “Even if families only use reusable nappies some of the time, every little bit helps reduce the millions of disposable nappies that end up in landfill and in the ground