3 hours Ago By 9News
Tweet Facebook Mail Sydney is "on the brink of a waste crisis" with landfill space predicted to run out by 2030, the NSW government has warned. The state of waste and recycling in the state was made public at the NSW Circular Economy Summit in Sydney today, hosted by Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and NSW Environment Protection Authority CEO Tony Chappel. It was revealed that without new waste and recycling solutions, Greater Sydney's landfill capacity would be exhausted within the next decade.
READ MORE: Sydney households facing 50 per cent jump in water bills Sydney's landfills are set to run out of space by 2030 without urgent action, the NSW government has warned. (Anna Kucera) "We are at a point that if we don't take urgent action, our red bins won't be able to be collected in a few years," Sharpe said. This would mean Sydneysiders would have to pay significantly more to dispose of their waste, as it would have to be transported to regional areas or interstate for disposal.
Demolition waste costs would also skyrocket, slowing down industry. The Minns government is pointing the finger at the opposition for what it labels their inaction on the issue during their 12-year tenure, which ended when Labor secured power in March last year. "Previous governments were briefed on this issue and there was no action for over a decade," Sharpe said.
"Industry and councils have been crying out for support and leadership. We're stepping up to the plate." New South Wales' recycling rates have also stagnated in the past few years, remaining steady at 65 per cent since 2015-16 - well short of the state's target of 80 per cent by 2030.
READ MORE: Council 'bin enforcer' patrols Sydney streets as residents risk $220 fine NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe says urgent action must be taken to avoid a waste crisis, with residents paying significantly more to dispose of their waste. (9News) Sharpe today unveiled the government's plans to tackle both these issues, which include the development of the state's first-ever Waste Infrastructure Plan, consultation with local councils and industries and the finalisation of the waste levy review. The government is also seeking to pass legislation to mandate separate food organics and garden organics waste disposal for both households and businesses.
Other measures include the NSW Plastics Plan which aims to take disposable plastics out of circulation. 9news.com.
au has contacted Shadow Minister for Energy, Climate Change and Environment James Griffin for comment..
