2021–22 Annual Report highlights
These are some of the highlights of our achievements over the past year.
Read about these highlights and our other achievements in the Annual Report 2021–22.
Plastics
In June 2022 a ban on lightweight plastic bags (less than 35 microns thick) came into effect in NSW, a significant achievement given that 60% of all litter in NSW is made up of single-use plastics and plastic packaging.
Flood cleanup
We led a multi-agency response in the NSW flood recovery and removed more than 11,000 cubic metres of debris from shorelines and waterways – the equivalent of 137 semitrailer loads.
Roadshows
We continued our successful state-wide roadshow forums, traveling to nine locations between March and June 2022 and engaging with over 450 licensees, councils and representatives from peak bodies and community groups through genuine in-person conversations.
Illegal dumping grants
Round 7 of the Combatting Illegal Dumping: Clean-up and Prevention Program awarded $1.5 million to 21 projects, resulting in a reduction of illegal dumping in seven out of 11 identified hotspot streets.
Container deposit scheme
In February 2022 Return and Earn reached the milestone of 7 billion* containers returned, representing 717,400 tonnes of materials recycled and resulting in over $30 million donated to charities and community groups via donations and fees from hosting return points.
Environment Line
In 2021-22 the Environment Line team fielded a total of 35,367 calls, actioned 35,818 enquiries and logged more than 11,000 environmental incidents, most of which concerned water pollution, odour, noise, waste management and air quality.
Prosecutions
We successfully completed 63 prosecutions for environmental offences, resulting in $2,339,602 in financial and other penalties imposed by the courts
Asbestos
This year 16 teams across six EPA divisions worked on 33 different projects related to asbestos, with an emphasis on improving asbestos awareness, especially among DIY renovators.