NSW Plastics Action Plan

The NSW Plastics Action Plan was the first plan to better manage plastics and reduce their impact on the environment. Plastics Plan 2.0 builds on these actions.

The NSW Plastics Action Plan (PDF 2.1MB) was launched in June 2021 to manage plastic throughout its lifecycle – from generation through to production, supply and reducing plastic waste. It forms a key part of the NSW Government’s Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 and outlines a comprehensive suite of actions to address plastic at all points of the plastics lifecycle, from production and consumption to disposal and recycling.

The 4 long-term outcomes set out in the plan aim to:

• reduce plastic waste generation
• make the most of our plastic resources
• reduce plastic leakage
• improve our understanding of the future of plastics.

These outcomes will be achieved through the phase out of certain problematic or unnecessary plastic products, accelerating the transition to more sustainable and less harmful plastic products by funding innovation and research, and better managing the leakage of problem plastic litter.

Phase-out of single use plastic items

The Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 gives effect to the government's commitment to phase out the supply of certain problematic single-use plastic items and set a design standard to prevent the supply of plastic microbeads in some rinse off personal care products. We granted an exemption to permit the supply of single-use plastic straws to people with a disability or other medical need.

A transition period was also provided to allow industry time to move away from banned plastic items integrated into the packaging of food or drinks. This transition period ended on 1 January 2025.

The EPA is the sole regulator of the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 (PRCE Act) and we play a pivotal role in delivering this legislation including by regulating and monitoring certain types of plastic items supplied into or within NSW. The definitions of each item are contained in Schedule 1.

To further support the key outcomes from the NSW Plastics Action Plan, we will also provide incentives for industry (such as grants) to encourage greater innovation and investment in sustainable alternatives and increase the reuse and recovery of plastics.

We are working with stakeholders, such as suppliers and retailers, in raising awareness of, and ensuring compliance with, the plastics phase-outs. This important work ensures we continue to deliver on our purpose to ensure a healthy and thriving environment for the future.

If you have questions or concerns about compliance with the plastics phase-outs, please contact [email protected]

Our targets

Under the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy: Stage 1 2021–2027, NSW has adopted several targets. The actions outlined in this plan will help us to meet these targets, including to:

• reduce the total waste generated in Australia by 10% per person by 2030
• achieve an average 80% recovery rate of resources from all waste streams by 2030
• significantly increase the use of recycled content by government and industry
• reduce plastic litter items by 30% by 2025
• reduce the overall litter by 60% by 2030
• triple the plastics recycling rate by 2030.

We are working towards national waste targets including:

• phase out problematic and unnecessary plastics by 2025
• ban the export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres, starting in 2021
• reduce the total waste generated in Australia by 10% per person by 2030
• recover an average 80% of resources from all waste streams by 2030
• significantly increase the use of recycled content by government and industry.

We have exceeded our target to reduce plastic litter items by 30% by 2025, recording a reduction in plastic litter items by 45% in 2024-25 litter data. 

The NSW Government has also released the NSW Plastics Plan 2.0, which sets out planned actions to address further problematic and unnecessary plastics, including phase outs.