Reusable diapers

The pilgrimage town of Kevelaer supports the use of reusable diapers with a one-off subsidy of 25% of the purchase costs, up to a maximum of 100 euros. Up to 4,500 disposable diapers are needed per child until they become dry at around the age of three. This means that every child who is changed in disposable diapers produces around 1,000 kg of diaper waste. Overall, disposable diapers make up the largest single item of residual waste in Germany with a share of up to 10%. By using reusable cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers, a larger proportion of the waste is eliminated. The use of reusable cloth diapers therefore makes an important contribution to waste prevention and resource- and energy-saving action.

The use of cloth diapers is associated with high purchase costs. For infants, the cost of an initial purchase of a diaper system is between €400 and €800, depending on the manufacturer. This includes: outer diaper, inner diapers and diaper inserts. The total costs over the diapering period may be lower than for disposable diapers. Nevertheless, this one-off investment is often an obstacle to the decision to use reusable diapers. The subsidy towards the purchase costs therefore creates a financial incentive for the use of reusable diapers.

The application can be submitted up to the child's first birthday by legal guardians with their main residence in Kevelaer. The one-off purchase of new reusable diapers, diaper inserts and diaper pants suitable for children up to the age of three is subsidized.