This Zero Waste Week, we’re excited to share our new report, Small Changes, Big Impact – A Case Study: Reusable Nappies in Practice, A Nursery-Based Approach. The report highlights the successful rollout of reusable nappies at two nurseries managed by the Lloyd Park Children’s Charity in the London Borough of Waltham Forest: the Higham Hill Centre and the Lloyd Park Centre.
By signing up to a local nappy laundry service and with support from us, the nurseries have shown just how achievable and beneficial this change can be. Together they:
- Halved their disposable nappy waste (saving 240 litres of waste every week)
- Saved over £4,000 in waste disposal costs
- Integrated reusables easily into everyday staff practice
- Boosted staff confidence and engaged families in conversations about sustainability at home.
With more than 80 nurseries in Waltham Forest alone, our goal is to build on this success by encouraging nurseries across London to join a nappy laundry service. In doing so, we can further reduce disposable nappy waste, save nurseries money, and support healthier habits for children.
Cllr Clyde Loakes MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate and Air Quality said:
“I’m really happy to see that Waltham Forest is once again being recognised for its work to reduce waste and support sustainability. In this case, we’ve worked with two of our nurseries, alongside our partners Real Nappies for London to achieve real success. The results are hugely impressive – nappy waste reduced by half, saving 240 litres of waste every week- that’s the equivalent to a fully loaded large black wheelie bin every week-, alongside a reduction of more than £4,000 in disposal costs over course of a year.
“It is a great example of small changes making a big impact and I’d like to thank parents, the fantastic staff at Higham Hill and Lloyd Park Centres who have championed this initiative, and Real Nappies for London for all the hard work in making this an exemplar initiative.
“We want to build on this success to achieve even more as part of our ambitious work to tackle the climate crisis, supporting residents to make sustainable small changes which will lead to more fantastic results. That’s why we are supporting Real Nappies for London in working to rollout this successful initiative to more nurseries across the borough in the future.
“By choosing reusable nappies, parents are not just saving money for them and their children, they are also cutting significant waste at source. This isn’t just about a one-time choice, it’s about building a healthier, more sustainable future for our children too. This partnership is a fantastic way to encourage parents, and give them the support they need, to make the switch. It’s an easy win for families and a big win for our planet, one nappy at a time!”
The project had strong engagement from families, many of whom appreciated both the environmental and financial advantages of the scheme. One parent whose child took part said: “I was all for the convenience of disposables. But I can see the value of the cost implication and the environmental factor now.”
Beyond the nursery, we’ve been working with the Lloyd Park Children’s Charity and Waltham Forest Council to raise awareness of reusable nappies and support families to use them at home. This includes educational events and resources, £70 nappy vouchers funded by Waltham Forest Council and the North London Waste Authority (NLWA), and access to reusable nappies through the LPCC baby bank.
If you’re an early years provider interested in exploring reusable nappies, get in touch with Real Nappies for London to find out how we can support you.
The full report can be read here: Small Changes, Big Impact – A Case Study: Reusable Nappies in Practice, A Nursery-Based Approach.
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Alice Walker, Real Nappies for London
1st September 2025
