Date Created: 27 June 2026
Read Time: 10 minutes
If you have been thinking about switching to reusable period products, now could be the perfect time.
Reusable period care can dramatically reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, lower your long-term spending, and make your period routine more convenient. Even better, many Australian councils now offer rebates to help cover the upfront cost of reusable menstrual products.
Whether you are considering a menstrual disc, menstrual cup, period underwear or reusable pads, this guide explains the different options, their benefits, and how council rebates across Australia may help make the switch more affordable.
Why Disposable Period Products Are an Environmental Problem
The average person who menstruates may use approximately 10,000 to 15,000 disposable period products over their lifetime.
Most disposable pads contain a high amount of plastic, while many tampons also include plastic components, synthetic fibres or plastic packaging. Once thrown away, these products can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill.
Disposable period products contribute to:
- plastic pollution
- landfill waste
- ongoing manufacturing emissions
- transport and packaging waste
- higher long-term household costs
The impact does not stop after use. Every disposable pad or tampon must be manufactured, packaged, transported, purchased and discarded, creating an ongoing environmental footprint.
Find reusable period product rebates near you
Enter your postcode, council name or state to check known rebates for reusable period products, menstrual discs, period underwear, cups and cloth pads.
Council rebates change quickly and can close when funding runs out. Always check the council link before purchasing.
The Hidden Cost of Disposable Period Care
Disposable period products may seem inexpensive at the checkout, but the cost adds up over time.
Across decades of menstruation, many people spend thousands of dollars on pads and tampons. Reusable products usually cost more upfront, but because they are designed to last for years, the cost per use can be significantly lower.
| Product | Typical Lifespan | Approximate Cost Per Use |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable menstrual disc | Up to 5 years | Less than 10 cents |
| Menstrual cup | Up to 10 years | Around 9 cents |
| Reusable pad | Around 100 washes | Around 23 cents |
| Period underwear | Around 180 wears | Around 13 cents |
When council rebates cover part of the purchase price, switching to reusable period care can become even more affordable.
Types of Reusable Period Products
There are several reusable period care options available in Australia. The best choice depends on your body, flow, lifestyle and personal preference.
Menstrual Discs
Reusable menstrual discs are soft, flexible discs that sit in the vaginal fornix, just below the cervix. Unlike menstrual cups, they do not rely on suction to stay in place.
Benefits of menstrual discs
- can be worn for up to 12 hours
- high fluid capacity
- suitable for swimming, sport and everyday movement
- can often be worn during penetrative sex
- reusable for years
- generates very little waste
Things to consider
- some users need a few cycles to master insertion and removal
- not every council rebate program lists menstrual discs specifically, although this is becoming more common
For many people, a reusable menstrual disc offers a strong balance of comfort, capacity, convenience and sustainability.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are flexible cups that collect menstrual fluid inside the vagina.
Benefits of menstrual cups
- can last for many years
- very low cost per use
- excellent waste reduction
- can usually be worn for up to 12 hours
Things to consider
- they can have a learning curve
- they need to be rinsed during use and sterilised between cycles
- some users find suction uncomfortable
Period Underwear
Period underwear looks like regular underwear but includes built-in absorbent layers to help manage menstrual flow.
Benefits of period underwear
- comfortable and discreet
- easy to use
- available in different absorbencies and styles
- good for light to moderate flow days or backup protection
Things to consider
- multiple pairs are usually needed for a full cycle
- they can take longer to dry after washing
- the upfront cost can be higher than disposable products
Reusable Cloth Pads
Reusable cloth pads work similarly to disposable pads but are made from washable fabric layers.
Benefits of reusable pads
- familiar shape and feel
- available in different absorbencies
- easy transition from disposable pads
- can reduce waste significantly over time
Things to consider
- they need to be washed after use
- you may need to carry used pads when away from home
- drying time can vary depending on fabric thickness
Reusable Period Product Comparison
| Product | Typical Lifespan | Best For | Waste Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menstrual disc | Up to 5 years | High capacity, active lifestyles, comfort without suction | Excellent |
| Menstrual cup | Up to 10 years | Long-term savings and low waste | Excellent |
| Period underwear | 2 to 3 years | Everyday comfort and backup protection | Very good |
| Reusable pads | 2 to 5 years | A familiar external option | Very good |
Why More Australians Are Choosing Reusable Period Products
Reusable period care is becoming more popular because it offers practical benefits as well as environmental ones.
Many people switch because they want:
- lower long-term costs
- less household waste
- fewer emergency trips to the supermarket
- more comfortable period care options
- products that can support sport, sleep, work and travel
- a more sustainable period routine
Each reusable product can replace hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of disposable pads or tampons over its lifetime.
Australian Council Rebates for Reusable Period Products
To encourage waste reduction, many Australian councils now offer rebates for reusable menstrual products.
Most programs reimburse around 50% of the purchase price, usually up to a maximum of $50 or $100 per household. Eligibility varies by council, and funding may change from year to year.
Eligible products may include:
- reusable menstrual discs
- menstrual cups
- reusable pads
- period underwear
- period swimwear
- wet bags
Most councils require proof of residency and an itemised receipt. Some also require the product to have been purchased within the last three or six months.
Council Rebate Summary
| Council or Location | Maximum Rebate | Eligible Products and Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| City of Casey, VIC | 50% up to $50 | Reusable pads, cups, discs, leak-proof underwear and wet bags. Proof of residence and receipt usually required. |
| City of Ballarat, VIC | 50% up to $100 | Period pads, period-proof bathers, leak-proof underwear and period cups. One application per household. |
| City of Cockburn, WA | Up to $50 | Reusable sanitary items including menstrual cups, reusable pads, incontinence pads and period underwear. |
| Town of Cambridge, WA | 50% up to $50 | Reusable cloth pads, period underwear, menstrual cups, menstrual discs and reusable incontinence pads. |
| City of Joondalup, WA | 50% up to $50 | Menstrual cups, menstrual discs, period underwear and cloth pads. Program details may change by financial year. |
| City of Canning, WA | 50% up to $50 | Reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, period underwear, period swimwear and wet bags. |
| City of Melville, WA | 50% up to $50 | Reusable period products including cups, pads, underwear and swimwear. Program may close or pause for review. |
| Inner West Council, NSW | 50% up to $100 | Leak-proof underwear, reusable pads, menstrual cups, menstrual discs and wet bags. |
| City of Hobart, TAS | 50% up to $50 | Cloth sanitary pads, menstrual cups and period underwear. Proof of residency and purchase required. |
| Litchfield Municipality, NT | 50% up to $50 | Reusable sanitary products including pads, menstrual cups and leak-proof underwear. |
| Alice Springs Town Council, NT | 50% up to $50 | Reusable sanitary pads, leak-proof underwear and menstrual cups purchased from Australian suppliers. |
Important: Council rebate programs can change, pause or run out of funding. Always check your local council website before purchasing if you are planning to claim a rebate.
How to Apply for a Council Rebate
1. Check Your Council
Visit your local council website and search for reusable sanitary product rebate, reusable period product rebate, waste reduction rebate or sustainability rebate.
2. Confirm Eligibility
Most councils require you to live within the municipality. You may need proof of residency such as a driver licence, rates notice or utility bill.
3. Purchase an Eligible Product
Buy your reusable period product from your preferred retailer and keep the itemised receipt. Some councils require the receipt to be dated within the last three or six months.
4. Gather Your Documents
You may need:
- proof of residence
- proof of purchase
- identification
- bank account details for payment
5. Submit the Application
Complete the online application form through your council website or the rebate platform used by your council.
6. Wait for Approval
If approved, most rebates are paid by electronic transfer. Processing times vary between councils.
7. Check Reapplication Rules
Many councils allow one rebate per household per financial year, while others may allow another claim after a set period. Check the conditions before applying again.
Is a Menstrual Disc Eligible for a Council Rebate?
In many cases, yes.
More Australian councils are now specifically including reusable menstrual discs in their rebate programs alongside menstrual cups, reusable pads and period underwear.
However, some older rebate pages may only mention menstrual cups or reusable sanitary products more broadly. If menstrual discs are not listed clearly, contact your council directly before applying.
Why Choose a Reusable Menstrual Disc?
A reusable menstrual disc can be a convenient option for people who want high-capacity, long-wear period care without suction.
The my mimi menstrual disc is designed to be:
- made from 100% medical-grade silicone
- BPA-free
- suction-free
- wearable for up to 12 hours
- reusable for up to 5 years with proper care
- available in Small and Large sizes
One reusable menstrual disc can replace hundreds of disposable period products over its lifetime, helping reduce waste while saving money over time.
Making the Switch to Reusable Period Care
Switching to reusable period care is one of the simplest ways to reduce household waste and lower ongoing period costs.
Whether you choose a menstrual disc, menstrual cup, reusable pads or period underwear, every reusable product helps reduce the number of disposable pads and tampons going to landfill.
With many councils now helping residents cover the initial purchase cost, there has never been a better time to try reusable period products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all councils offer reusable period product rebates?
No. Rebate programs vary between councils and may depend on annual funding. Check your local council website for the most current information.
Can I claim a rebate for a menstrual disc?
Many councils now include menstrual discs, but not all programs list them clearly. Check the eligible product list or contact your council before applying.
Can I buy reusable period products online?
Usually yes, as long as you keep an itemised receipt and the product meets your council’s eligibility requirements.
Can I claim more than once?
Some councils allow one rebate per household per financial year, while others have different rules. Always check your council’s conditions.
Do rebates include shipping?
Many councils exclude postage or shipping costs from the rebate amount. Check the program terms before applying.
Ready to Reduce Waste and Save Money?
Reusable period products are better for the environment, more affordable over time, and increasingly supported by Australian council rebate programs.
If you are considering making the switch, start by checking your local council’s rebate program, then choose the reusable product that best suits your body and lifestyle.
Small changes can make a big difference. One reusable product can help keep hundreds of disposable pads and tampons out of landfill.
Health Notice: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about your menstrual health, experience ongoing pain or heavy bleeding, or are unsure which period product is right for you, speak with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.
