NSW blitzes litter target

This means NSW has blitzed past the state’s target of 30% reduction on 2019 litter levels.

This groundbreaking achievement reflects the NSW Government’s renewed focus on reducing our reliance on problematic plastics with bans on single use items, litter prevention initiatives such as Return and Earn and litter prevention grants.

Small pieces of litter may not seem important, but they add up and become big pollution problems when they pass into soil and waterways and often into the food chain. Small litter pieces are also often eaten by birds, fish and other wildlife which can severely impact the animal.

Littering of bottles and cans accepted by NSW’s container deposit scheme Return and Earn has fallen by 73% since the scheme began, reflecting the popularity of the program which will expand by mid-2027 to divert even more containers, like wine bottles, from landfill.

Despite the good news, data from the NSW EPA’s Key Littered Items Study shows plastic items still make up the lion’s share of all litter found in our waterways.

The most littered plastic items are confectionary wrappers and snack bags (particularly plastic lollypop sticks), miscellaneous plastic bags, beverage container lids and other food packaging.

NSW is now setting its sights on the next target which is a 60% reduction of all litter by 2030.

The NSW Government is reviewing additional actions to bring down plastic waste under the NSW Plastics: The Way Forward paper, including targeted actions to further address highly littered items and remove harmful chemicals from plastic products. We are also working with the Federal Government to push for stronger packaging laws and packaging targets across the country.

For more information about litter in NSW, visit https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Litter/Data-and-targets/2024-25-litter-data-nsw

Minister for Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“By 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than fish. That’s why we are pulling every lever at our disposal to address this problem – from bans and phase outs of single-use plastic items, to expanding Return and Earn and introducing landmark product stewardship laws which enable better design and recycling of plastic products.

“This news shows that these types of actions make a difference. Every time a person chooses not to throw a piece of rubbish on the ground, it stops that plastic going into our environment.”

Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen said:

“Exceeding our litter reduction targets is a win for our wildlife, our waterways, and every community that’s done the hard yards by backing successful programs like Return and Earn.

“But with plastic still making up the majority of litter in our waterways, we know there’s more to do. The NSW Government is continuing to partner with fantastic reuse organisations, like Reverse Garbage right here in Marrickville targeting highly littered items.”