Record number have their say on waste and plastics
The EPA was pleased to see a massive response on the future of waste, recycling and plastics in NSW. Over 16,000 Plastics Plan surveys were completed and submissions were received from all sections of the community.
The survey on plastics drew more than 16,000 responses
Thank you to everyone who recently had their say on the 20-Year Waste Strategy and NSW Plastics Plan through yoursay.dpie.nsw.gov.au, online forums and webinars. Here we share some insights from the feedback.
Director of 20-Year Waste Strategy Baharak Sahebekhtiari said the consultation reinforced the need for a long-term sustainable solution to transition our waste and recycling system towards a circular economy by keeping materials in the economy longer.
“There was an overwhelming support from stakeholders for the vision and directions in the issues paper, if anything people wanted us to move faster and be bolder,” Baharak said.
Your valuable feedback is now being reviewed and will be used to develop a draft 20-Year Waste Strategy and the final NSW Plastics Plan.
Some of what we are hearing from you:
Transitioning to a circular economy
- Transitioning requires a paradigm shift – "waste is just a resource in the wrong place"
Foster collaboration and innovation
- More collaboration and innovation in technology advancements and infrastructure
- A circular economy cannot just be achieved in NSW alone, we work in a national and global environment
Improve focus on waste infrastructure and resources
- More assistance to help address waste avoidance, enhance resource recovery education and support infrastructure priorities
Work towards consistent standards, targets and processes
- State and local governments to drive procurement of recovered materials through mandated standards and targets
- Consistency in kerbside collections
"A product should not be designed and released to the marketplace without first developing an understanding of its full lifecycle."
“We need a strong culture for avoidance and reuse.”
If you have questions, please contact the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) on 131 555 or info@environment.nsw.gov.au.
Plastic Free July
The EPA is encouraging staff and the wider community to take part in Plastic Free July. See more.