The City of Whittlesea’s Zero Waste Rebate program is part of council’s Rethinking Waste Plan 2021-2030.
The initiative aims to propel the city towards its ambition of becoming a low-waste community, while encouraging residents to embrace environmentally friendly habits.
Under the program, residents are eligible to claim rebates on the purchase price of various reusable items, including nappies, sanitary products, shopping carts, composting bins, and composting tools.
These rebates also serve to alleviate the initial financial burden associated with investing in reusable alternatives, thereby incentivising individuals to adopt eco-conscious choices.
Council representatives emphasise the economic benefits of utilising reusable products, citing potential savings of up to $2000 per child for parents who opt for reusable nappies.
Notably, the program has been expanded to include shopping carts, acknowledging the necessity for some residents to have a means of transporting goods home while aiming to curb the use of supermarket trolleys and mitigate trolley dumping across the municipality.
Residents interested in claiming the rebates can apply online by completing the designated application form, accompanied by proof of residency within the City of Whittlesea, and receipts for eligible purchases.
The rebate amount is set at 50 per cent of the purchase price for each category, with a maximum refund of $100 for each category.
Furthermore, the council encourages residents to support local businesses and purchase within Australia to reduce emissions associated with logistics, aligning with broader sustainability objectives.
The Zero Waste Rebate program underscores the City of Whittlesea’s commitment to environmental stewardship, and empowers residents to play an active role in building a greener, more sustainable future for the community,
