Community and industry feedback is being sought by the NSW government on new proposals to tackle plastic waste.

An action plan has been developed – NSW Plastics: The Way Forward – outlining strategies to reduce the impact of problematic plastics and promote more reusable and recyclable alternatives. The goal is to reduce plastic waste by 30% by 2025.

In 2022-23, NSW generated around 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste – almost 110 kilos per person. Only 14% was recycled.

Certain single-use plastics – including straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, unlidded bowls, cotton buds, as well as cups made from expanded polystyrene foam – have been phased out in NSW in recent years, resulting in a 77% reduction in the number of banned single-use plastics found in litter.

“But there are still too many takeaway food containers and plastic drink bottle lids strewn across our environment,” minister for the environment Penny Sharpe said.

Response to a discussion paper earlier in the year showed strong support for more action on plastic waste. That input has been fed into the action plan, which proposes:

• phasing out items where non-plastic alternatives already exist, like 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 NSW 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 WA, including food trays, loose-fill packaging, and moulded or cut packaging.

If legislated, the proposals will bring NSW into line with other jurisdictions which have moved ahead of the state in regards to plastic waste management.

Overseen by the NSW Environment Protection Authority, the eight-week consultation period – which runs until 4 November – is open to businesses, industry, environmental groups, community members, and scientific and regulatory organisations.

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

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