We are polluting our waterways and oceans with plastics at an alarming rate. NSW generates 800,000 tonnes of plastics every year, yet only 10% is recycled.
12.1 Ban heavier plastic bags, set a reusable standard by 2023
The NSW Government banned lightweight plastic bags in June 2022—the last state to do so.
12.2 Divert >50% of food & garden organics from landfill by 2026
Across Australia, 14.3 million tonnes of organic wastes (primarily food organics, garden organics, timber and biosolids) was generated in 2018-19, with 6.87 million tonnes deposited in landfill.
12.3 Oppose energy generation from wastes other than FOGOs
Corporate interests are exerting increasing pressure on governments to approve large waste-to-energy plants that use thermal or chemical processes to generate electricity.
12.4 Expand the return and earn scheme
Since its introduction in 2017, the NSW Government’s container refund scheme, Return and Earn, has collected billions of containers through more than 600 return points.
12.5 Legislate material use to enhance recycling
Much is said about contamination of recycling bins in the home, but various labels are confusing.