The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) completed an unannounced compliance campaign targeting plastic feedstock loss in partnership with the City of Canterbury Bankstown, Inner West Council and Ryde councils.
The Operation Pellet Patrol campaign throughout October 2025 involved EPA and council officers conducting unannounced inspections of 10 industrial sites across Sydney.
The inspections revealed some sites were incorrectly storing plastic, leading to plastic leakage and possible microplastic pollution in drains. Four sites received verbal clean-up directions.
Sam Lewis, NSW EPA Director of Circular Economy Programs, said plastic feedstock loss could have devastating consequences for the environment, particularly waterways and marine life.
“If your business is dealing with plastics, our message is clear – you must contain all plastic materials and protect waterways and the environment,” Lewis said.
“Businesses found to be doing the wrong thing can cop on-the-spot fines of up to $30,000 and up to $2 million if imposed by a court.
“While most operators demonstrated excellent practices, we are putting facilities with a history of poor performance on notice.”
Lewis noted the campaign highlights the vital role councils play in regulating plastic facilities and said the NSW EPA and councils plan to do further inspections in 2026.
The Pellet Patrol campaign follows the success of Operation Clean Sweep, a global voluntary initiative aimed at preventing plastic pellet loss.
Thirty-five New South Wales-based plastics businesses have now signed up to a pledge to reduce their plastic feedstock loss, receiving a visual assessment tool for plastic feedstock loss.
For more information, visit: www.nsw.epa.gov.au
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