North London Waste Authority is providing funding and hands-on support through The Reusable Nappy Project, helping nurseries make the switch to reusable nappies.
The project is being delivered through our partnership with NappyLoop, the cotton nappy service built for nurseries.
Reusable nappies:
- Promote greater bodily awareness
- Support earlier independence
- Reduce waste
- Could save your setting money
- Look super cute!
Whether you're already considering reusable nappies or just curious to learn more, this is a great opportunity for your nursery to trial them.
Register your interest by filling out this form.
Why should my nursery get involved?
Support child development and independence
There is growing evidence that reusable nappies support children’s awareness of bodily signals, contributing to earlier readiness for toilet training.
The children seem happy, they are not phased by it - Arshia, Early Years Educator
With around 25% of children reportedly starting school not fully toilet trained, helping children develop toileting skills earlier can benefit children, families and the staff who care for them.
It's better for the planet
With nurseries across north London changing an estimated 5.7 million nappies every year*, there is a significant opportunity to reduce waste by introducing reusable nappies in nurseries.
Every reusable nappy used instead of a disposable one is an opportunity to avoid sending another nappy into the waste stream.
The fact that they are eco-friendly is a big positive - Josie, Toddler Room leader
For nurseries looking to reduce their environmental impact, reusable nappies can be a simple and visible change that forms part of a wider commitment to sustainability.
Families care
Families increasingly want to know what nurseries are doing to support with potty training and reduce their environmental impact. Offering reusable nappies gives your setting an opportunity to demonstrate your proactive approach to toileting, and commitment to sustainability in a way that parents and carers can see every day.
The Reusable Nappy Project will offer sessions to families to explain the benefits of reusable nappies and offer support with toilet training.
PR opportunity for your setting
The Reusable Nappy Project will report the outcomes of the project and include case studies from participating nurseries. providing free positive publicity for your setting.
Understand your waste costs (& maybe save money)
Disposable nappies make up a significant proportion of the waste produced by nurseries – and disposing of that waste can be expensive.
Some nurseries that have introduced reusable nappies have reported halving their waste disposal costs.
Image
How does it work?
NLWA will support and fund participating nurseries across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest to trial reusable nappies over a period of 6 months.
What will NLWA provide?
- Full kit, including reusable nappies and liners
- Storage bins, laundry bags and other necessary infrastructure
- NHS-standard professional laundry service
- Collection of dirty nappies and delivery of clean ones
- Training and ongoing support
- Toilet training guidance for staff and families, delivered in conjunction with paediatric continence nurses and experts
- Events and information for families about reusable nappies
How long will the trial last and when will it start?
Engagement with nurseries has begun, with a view to running the first toilet training guidance sessions for staff and families this autumn, and reusable nappies trialled in settings from February 2027.
Each nursery chosen to participate can expect to work with the Reusable Nappy Project team for around 9-12 months, including time for preparation, staff training, and follow-up. Reusable nappies will be trialled in each setting for 6 months.
It's been easy to adapt to. It took longer at the start but then the process of the nappy change was simple as time went on” - Shannon, Baby Room leader
Who washes the reusable nappies?
The Reusable Nappy Project will work with a specialist commercial laundry service that launders to NHS hygiene standards. They will collect used nappies from nurseries and drop off clean ones twice a week.
“The nappies come back like brand new, always clean and white” – Debbie, Early Years Educator
To understand more read the Frequently Asked Questions
Register your interest
Register your interest by filling out this form and the Reusable Nappy Project Team will get in touch to ask you some questions, and give you any more information you need before deciding to apply.
Spaces on the trial are limited and we will prioritise the nurseries that get in touch with us first.
Image
*Based on 36,274 registered nursery places, 0.64 share of nursery places filled on an average weekday, 190 to 240 nursery days open, 85% attendance, share of children in nappies 88% under 2, 27% 2-3, and 13% 3-4, 3 nappy changes a day.