The NSW Government is ramping up efforts to tackle plastic pollution by inviting the public to have its say on helping to prevent 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste produced each year from causing harm to the environment and human health.

Industry, businesses and the community are encouraged to share their feedback on the ‘NSW Plastics: Next Steps’ discussion paper as it moves to reduce plastic litter by 30 per cent by 2025, curb the impact of microplastics and align with other states and territories. 

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said NSW alone generates 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year and only 12 per cent of it is recycled.

“We must act. By working together, we can make a real difference and leave the environment in a better state for our children.

“The NSW Government wants to hear your thoughts on what plastic items we should target to minimise harmful impacts on the NSW environment, animals and communities.”

‘NSW Plastics: Next Steps’ identifies and addresses items and materials that:

• are frequently littered or release microplastics into the environment
• contain harmful chemical additives
• are regulated or proposed to be in other states and territories.

Items containing plastic such as lollipop sticks, cigarette butts, bread tags and heavyweight plastic shopping bags are some of the problematic products that could be redesigned or phased out.

Consultation is open for 14 weeks from 29 October 2023 to 4 February 2024.

To participate in the future of plastics, visit NSW Environment Protection Authoritylaunch

All feedback will inform further actions to tackle problematic and unnecessary plastics.

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