State Govt will reduce reliance on plastic and wants your feedback on action plan

In the past year, NSW generated 891,000 tonnes of plastic waste – almost 110 kilos per person – and only 14% of that was recycled.

110 kilos for each person – that’s a lot of plastic.

And about 79% of the rubbish in our rivers, creeks and oceans is – yep, plastic.

The State Government plans to tackle plastic waste, promote more reusable and recyclable alternatives, and help drive down plastic litter by 30% by 2025.

The NSW Plastics: The Way Forward action plan outlines ways to do this.

Read the plan here.

There is an eight-week period where the community can give feedback.

The NSW Plastics: The Way Forward action plan includes:

• 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 make sure they are easily recyclable.

• Phasing out the supply of unnecessary plastic barrier bags.

• 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.

Give your feedback online here.

The information in this story was provided by the NSW Government.