The NSW Government is seeking community input on its ambitious plan to tackle the use of plastics, reduce waste and pollution and increase recycling across the state.

People will be able to give their feedback on the discussion paper until Friday, 8 May.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Environment Minister Matt Kean have empowered the community to help drive the comprehensive plan to better manage our resources and improve our environment.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Plastics Plan and 20 Year Waste Strategy will be key to ensuring that NSW is a leader when it comes to reducing waste, maximising recycling and protecting our environment.

“We also want to make sure any businesses potentially affected by phase outs have enough time to adjust and source sustainable alternatives.”

Kean said the state’s waste industry needs to be sustainable, reliable and affordable, and wants to hear from as many parts of the community as possible, to ensure the strategies put in place are practical and work for the people of NSW.

The NSW Plastics Plan discussion paper Cleaning Up Our Act: Redirecting the Future of Plastic in NSW outlines a pathway to reduce single-use, unnecessary and problematic plastics in NSW and help build our circular economy.

“It sets the stage for the phase-out of priority single-use plastics, tripling the proportion of plastic recycled by 2030, reducing plastic litter by a quarter and making our State a leader in plastics research and development,” Kean said.

“Lightweight plastic bags are proposed to be phased out six months from the passage of legislation with other timelines to be determined after feedback from the public consultation process.”

The waste strategy canvasses options to reduce waste and increase recycling, outlines the opportunities and strategic direction for future waste and recycling infrastructure, and for growing sustainable end markets for recycled materials.

For more information on how to have your say visit yoursay.dpie.nsw.gov.au

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