Three pioneering projects have been awarded $1.25 million by the New South Wales Government to tackle plastic waste pollution.
Universities and government research institutions were invited to apply for funding, under the state’s Plastic Research Program.
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and CSIRO secured funding to research new ways to reliably collect and analyse microplastics in soil, compost and treated sewage.
CSIRO will also join with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) on another project to create tools to identify and prioritise harmful chemicals from plastics in agricultural soils.
And the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures will study plastic fabrics, such as polyester, to track harmful chemicals in new and recycled textiles.
The Plastic Research Program is aimed at making New South Wales a leader in managing plastic waste. The findings from these projects will guide future policies, regulations, and actions.
Each project will receive between $308,000 and $493,000, and is expected to be completed by 31 May 2027.
Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment, said New South Wales is facing a landfill crisis and new solutions are needed quickly.
“Hidden chemicals in plastic waste make recycling harder,” said Sharpe.
“This investment into cutting edge research will help uncover hidden chemicals in soils and everyday fabrics, to assist in finding better solutions to get rid of them.”
For more information, www.nsw.gov.au/
Related stories:
NSW waste levy lifted for storm-hit areas
NSW EPA expands investigation into debris balls on beaches
NSW to introduce mandatory battery stewardship legislation
