• Source: EPA NSW.
    Source: EPA NSW.
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The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is calling on the public to provide feedback on plastics use, reducing waste and pollution, and methods to increase recycling across the state. Almost 10,000 submissions have already been received.

The community can offer feedback on two papers – Cleaning Up Our Act: Redirecting the Future of Plastic in NSW and Cleaning Up Our Act: The Future for Waste and Resource Recovery in NSW.

The first paper outlines pathways in reducing single-use and problematic plastics in the state and helping to build a circular economy, while the second paper outlines options to reduce waste, increase recycling and guides opportunities on the future of waste and recycling infrastructure.

Questions such as, “Do you support the phase out of lightweight plastic bags?” and “How can government make it easier to use less plastic?” are among those being asked to the community/

In 2018-19, around 60 per cent of all littered items were made from plastic and by 2050, there will be more plastic by weight in the ocean than fish, according to EPA NSW.

For more information on these papers and to give feedback, visit https://yoursay.dpie.nsw.gov.au.

Submissions close Friday, 8 May.

Food & Drink Business

Data from inventory management software provider, Unleashed, drawn from more than 600 Australian manufacturing firms, found local food and beverage manufacturers recorded significant revenue declines in the first quarter of 2026, with purchase orders cut sharply across both sectors as the Iran conflict rattled global supply chains and cost pressures intensified.

Woolworths has confirmed the return of in-store soft plastics collection points across more than 700 supermarkets nationally, with South Australia the latest state to join the renewed recycling scheme this week.

For many growing businesses, passion and purpose are what spark success in the early years. But as a company expands, instinct alone is no longer enough. Sustainable growth requires a clear strategy, a deep understanding of customers, and the ability to adapt as markets evolve. Gewürzhaus co-founder and managing director, Maria Konecsny shares insights from establishing a specialty herb and spice business that has expanded across Australia.