The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) conducted unannounced inspections of 10 industrial sites across Sydney in October, targeting plastic feedstock storage and possible microplastic pollution. The campaign Operation Pellet Patrol involved EPA officers and staff from City of Canterbury Bankstown, Inner West Council and Ryde councils.
Inspections found some sites were storing plastic incorrectly, which could lead to leakage into drains. Four sites received verbal clean-up directions.
Sam Lewis, NSW EPA director of Circular Economy Programs, said, “If your business is dealing with plastics, our message is clear, you must contain all plastic materials and protect waterways and the environment.”
He added that businesses found breaching rules can face on-the-spot fines of up to $30,000, or up to $2 million if imposed by a court, and noted that facilities with a history of poor performance are being monitored.
Mr Lewis said the campaign highlights the role councils play in regulating plastic facilities and that further inspections are planned for 2026.
Operation Pellet Patrol follows Operation Clean Sweep, a global voluntary initiative to prevent plastic pellet loss. Thirty-five NSW-based plastics businesses have signed a pledge to reduce plastic feedstock loss and receive a visual assessment tool for monitoring.
