The NSW Government has launched a new initiative to reduce plastic waste and promote environmentally friendly alternatives.
As part of this effort, community members, businesses, and industry stakeholders are being invited to provide feedback on proposals designed to cut down plastic litter by 30 per cent by 2025.
The NSW Plastics: The Way Forward action plan outlines strategies aimed at mitigating the harmful effects of plastic waste and enhancing the state’s sustainability efforts.
Many of the proposed measures are intended to align NSW with other Australian states that have already taken steps to curb plastic pollution, the government said in a media release.
An eight-week consultation period has been opened to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders, including environmental groups, scientific organizations, and industry representatives.
“Unless we take action, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish,” warned Penny Sharpe, Minister for the Environment.
“We all want a healthier environment for humans and animals, with fewer problematic plastics.”
In the 2022-23 financial year, NSW generated approximately 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste—an average of nearly 110 kilos per person.
Data further revealed that only 14 per cent of this plastic was recycled. On a global scale, an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic enter oceans annually, posing severe threats to marine wildlife.
“We’ve listened to the concerns of businesses and industry, as well as environment and community groups,” Minister Sharpe added.
“And now we’d like their feedback on the specific initiatives proposed in NSW Plastics: The Way Forward, so we can take further action.”
Among the key initiatives being proposed are the phasing out of plastic items where viable alternatives exist, such as lollipop sticks and food tags, and the introduction of design standards for single-use plastic cups and food containers to make them more easily recyclable.
There are also plans to eliminate plastic barrier bags and bring NSW in line with other states by banning the release of helium balloons and plastic balloon accessories.
Another significant proposal is requiring food service venues to accept reusable cups for takeaway beverages.
The government is also considering phasing out food packaging made of foamed plastic, a measure already in place in Western Australia.
“The phase-out of certain single-use plastics in NSW in 2019 has resulted in a 77% reduction in the number of banned plastic items found in litter,” said Minister Sharpe.
“But there are still too many takeaway food containers and plastic drink bottle lids strewn across our environment.”
The consultation period is open for feedback, which could help shape future legislation aimed at tackling problematic plastics in the state.
For those interested, the NSW Plastics: The Way Forward document is available online for public review and input.
