NSW Ramped Up Efforts to Tackle Plastic Pollution

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The New South Wales (NSW) government has ramped up efforts to tackle plastic pollution. The administration urged local plastic industry, businesses and communities to share their valuable feedback on the discussion paper titled ‘NSW Plastics: Next Steps’.

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As per rough estimates, NSW produces approximately 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year, posing serious threat to the health of the human and environment. Only around 12% of the total plastic waste is recycled. The rest of the plastic waste pollutes the environment, noted Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle.

The discussion paper focuses on addressing those materials that are frequently littered, release microplastics into the environment, contain harmful additives or are regulated or proposed to be in other states and territories. It calls for redesigning or phasing out of certain items that contain plastic, such as lollipop sticks, cigarette butts, bread tags and heavyweight plastic shopping bags.

The public consultation period is open until February 4, 2024. The feedbacks should suggest further actions to deal with problematic and unnecessary plastics. The public are invited to share their thoughts on what plastic items need to be targeted in order to minimise their harmful impacts.