New South Wales is rolling up its sleeves to deal with the state’s growing waste problem, unveiling a fresh plan this week to boost recycling and cut down on landfill. The strategy zeroes in on fixing a system that’s been buckling under the weight of too much rubbish and not enough places to put it.
The move comes as bins across NSW pile up faster than ever, with households and businesses churning out mountains of waste. A big chunk of the plan is about getting more stuff—like plastics, glass, and paper—sorted and recycled instead of dumped. New rules will see businesses face tougher checks to make sure they’re handling waste properly, while households get a nudge to separate their rubbish better.
On the ground, the focus is on beefing up recycling facilities. Cash is being funnelled into upgrading plants and rolling out better collection systems, especially in regional spots where options have been thin. There’s also a push to turn food scraps and garden clippings into compost or energy, rather than letting them rot in tips.
The plan isn’t just about cleaning up—it’s aiming to claw back some value from the junk. By processing waste smarter, there’s a chance to create jobs and keep materials in use longer. It’s a practical fix for a messy issue that’s been brewing for years, with landfill sites nearing their limits.
For the average punter, it means more bins to sort and a bit of extra effort at home. But with the waste crisis hitting crunch time, the hope is these changes will keep NSW from drowning in its own garbage—and maybe even turn a problem into an opportunity.