Labour MSP Monica Lennon has slammed the lack of progress on expanding reusable nappy schemes across Scotland.
Just five out of 32 councils offer families some type of reusable nappies initiative, data obtained via freedom of information shows - with the figure unchanged on last year.
Lennon warned single-use disposable nappies are a “huge expense” for families and also to the taxpayer in terms of landfill costs.
But she hailed “pioneering work” in some areas such as North Ayrshire, which in 2019 became the first council to introduce free “birth to potty” reusable nappies for parents.
The UK disposes of around 3 billion disposable nappies every year - representing up to 3 per cent of all household waste.
Reusable nappies, also known as modern cloth nappies and real nappies, can save parents hundreds of pounds.
Data suggests by the time a baby is potty-trained, they could have used between 4000 and 6000 disposable nappies - compared to only around 20 to 30 for those using reusable brands.
Central Scotland MSP Lennon said: “Not only are disposable nappies a huge expense that many families struggle to afford, they also cost taxpayers a fortune in landfill costs.
“Access to free reusable nappy schemes is saving parents and councils money, but my research shows that many parts of Scotland are still missing out.
“With a bit more help from the Scottish Government, more people across Scotland could benefit from this initiative that is kind to parents' pockets and the planet.”
The Scottish Labour politician has also written to Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater to demand action.
Lennon told the Green MSP that widening access to reusable nappy schemes would be “a win-win action that can support families with the cost-of-living crisis and reduce the volume of single use nappies that end up in incineration or landfill”..
It comes as this week marks Reusable Nappy Week. Lennon’s research found just five Scots councils offer a scheme - North and East Ayrshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Inverclyde and West Dunbartonshire.
Just 11 local authorities have plans to use Reusable Nappy Week to help raise awareness of the issue. More than 500 Scots families have benefited from existing reusable nappy initiatives since 2018.
A Scottish Government spokesman saud: “We would encourage parents to try reusable nappies to see if they fit their lifestyle. The Baby Box includes a voucher for them to do just that.”
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