Registrations for Clutha's first council-sponsored nappy workshop are open.
As part of last month's annual plan process, the Clutha District Council decided to budget $6310 towards two cloth nappy workshops in the district per year.
A report to the council said the introduction of a cloth nappy programme would contribute to one of the council's community targets - a sustainable environment that promoted a clean, green image.
About 5% of waste dumped at the Mt Cooee landfill near Balclutha was nappy/sanitary waste - higher than the national average of 3% - and more than 1.5 million disposable nappies went to Clutha landfills each year, the report said.
The council has been charged with identifying the need to run public awareness campaigns to encourage waste minimisation and responsible waste management. The council receives about $60,000 a year from the Ministry for the Environment's waste levy. The nappy programme is expected to cost $6310 and will be funded from this budget.
The council will buy 100 cloth nappy packs and hold two workshops involving Tauranga-based business ''The Nappy Lady''. Workshops will cost each family $20.
Council communications co-ordinator Jamie Shaw said those interested in attending should register quickly at a council service centre, as workshop places and cloth nappy packs were limited to the first 50 individuals or families.
The first workshop will be held on September 26 from 7pm-9pm in the Balclutha Parents Centre Rooms in John St.
