NSW Environment Protection Authority

NSW's independent environmental regulator. We protect the health of our environment and communities.

Aerial photograph of Murramarang National Park with lagoon behind beach

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national park closed sign with 1080 poison notice on display

All 1080 products are classified as restricted pesticides because of the risks they pose to the environment, wildlife and domestic animals. They must be used according to the relevant pesticide control orders. 

Clean-up of illegally dumped household items at the kerbside, with truck and crane picking up a mattress

A new study has found a marked reduction in the number of NSW residents and businesses illegally dumping waste compared to six years ago, but the issue remains costly and damaging for communities, councils and the environment.

EPA officers at Tomingley Gold Operations

We are involved in many environmental matters that interest communities across NSW.

rows of labelled plastic petri dishes with microplastic fragments

The Broadscale Microplastic Assessment (BMA) is Australia's first large-scale study of microplastic contamination, covering 120 coastal waterways in NSW. 

Business food waste campaign banner

From 1 July 2026 businesses must separate food waste from general waste. Get your business ready.

Banner - Never bin a battery showing a range of batteries above a garbage bin

Never bin a battery. One battery in a bin can spark a fire. Find a safe place to drop off your used batteries.

Child drinking out of a water bubbler

The NSW Government is working to ensure we continue to provide safe drinking water to the people of NSW.

Young Ibis on the wing, Gwydir Wetlands, Northern NSW

Summary of recent regulatory, policy and legislative updates. Listed with most recent update first.

Latest media releases

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Nadgee River. Credit: Sam Lynch/DCCEEW
16 Mar 2026

An Australian-first microplastic assessment has identified the state's most contaminated waterways.

EPA and Forestry officers inspecting bushland
16 Mar 2026

Forestry Corp must pay $450,000 in penalties over the illegal logging of six giant and three hollow-bearing trees in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest.

Plastic pollution in water
12 Mar 2026
Problematic plastic to be phased out
Plastics Ministerial Pollution

Plastics that pollute our waterways, litter our parks and neighbourhoods, and contaminate our recycling efforts are set to be phased out.