Next steps to tackle problematic plastics in NSW

The New South Wales Government is seeking community and industry feedback on new proposals to tackle problematic plastic waste, promote more reusable and recyclable alternatives, and help the state drive down plastic litter by 30 per cent by 2025.

Most of the proposals bring the state into line with other jurisdictions.

An eight-week consultation is being launched to seek feedback from community members, businesses, industry, environmental groups, scientific and regulatory organisations and others.

In 2022–23, New South Wales generated about 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste – almost 110 kilograms per person – but only 14 per cent of that was recycled.

Globally, about eight million tonnes of plastic leak into our oceans every year. That pollution severely impacts marine wildlife, and it is estimated almost half of all seabirds and sea turtles are likely to have ingested plastic.

The New South Wales Government consulted on the NSW Plastics: Next Steps discussion paper, attracting more than 5000 responses up to February 2024. Those responses showed overwhelming public support for stronger action on plastic waste. Government has also been speaking directly to industry and other stakeholders.

Minster for the Environment Penny Sharpe said the phase-out of certain single-use plastics in New South Wales in 2019 has resulted in a 77 per cent reduction in the number of banned single-use plastic items found in litter, but there are still too many takeaway food containers and plastic drink bottle lids strewn across the environment.

“We’ve listened to the concerns of businesses and industry, as well as environment and community groups. And now we’d like their feedback on the specific initiatives proposed in NSW Plastics: The Way Forward so we can take further action.”

The NSW Plastics: The Way Forward action plan proposes new initiatives including:

Phasing out items where non-plastic alternatives already exist, such as plastic lollipop sticks, pizza savers and plastic food tags for bread, bakery and pantry items.
Introducing design standards for single-use plastic cups, food containers and their lids to ensure they are easily recyclable.
Phasing out the supply of unnecessary plastic barrier bags.
Bringing New South Wales into line with other states and phasing out the release of helium balloons as well as plastic balloon sticks, clips and ties.
Requiring food service venues to accept reusable cups for hot and cold takeaway beverages.
Phasing out food packaging made of foamed plastic, as in Western Australia, including food trays, loose-fill packaging, and moulded or cut packaging.

This feedback will inform further action to tackle problematic plastic items, which could include legislative change.

You can find NSW Plastics: The Way Forward and provide feedback online: https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/nsw-plastics-way-forward.