New report finds 43 per cent reduction in NSW litter

New report finds 43 per cent reduction in NSW litter

An independent evaluation of the state’s Litter Prevention Program has shown litter has reduced by 43 per cent as part of the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) successful Waste Less, Recycle More campaigns since 2012.

The nine-year $50 million Litter Prevention Program has overseen the introduction and success of Return and Earn, the NSW Container Deposit Scheme. As well as a marine litter campaign and Cigarette Butt Litter Prevention Trial.

EPA Executive Director, Engagement, Education and Programs, Liesbet Spanjaard said the result has enabled the setting of a new target of reducing litter by a further 60 per cent by 2030 for the state.

This follows the surpassing of the former Premier’s Priority 2020 of a 40 per cent reduction target.

“The independent evaluation demonstrates that the Litter Prevention Program is providing value for money,” Spanjaard said.

“Evidence in the report indicates that the program provides a net economic benefit to the people of NSW both through direct savings on litter clean-up and through indirect effects of improved amenity in communities and reduced environmental harm.”

The NSW EPA says it will build on these achievements to meet the new 60 per cent reduction target outlined in the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041.

For details of the evaluation report, click here.

 

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