Return and Earn centres have helped NSW smash its plastic litter reduction target, recording a 45 per cent drop in plastics entering the environment – the equivalent of filling 2000 buses with rubbish, according to the state government.

The state had aimed for a 30 per cent reduction on 2019 litter levels but has exceeded expectations thanks to bans on single-use plastics, targeted litter prevention grants, and the Return and Earn scheme which has established recycling points across regional areas including Orange, Dubbo, Wellington, Narromine, Blayney, Parkes, Mudgee and Gulgong.

Minister for Environment Penny Sharpe said the results show strong environmental policy is paying off.

“By 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than fish. That’s why we are pulling every lever at our disposal to address this problem – from bans and phase outs of single-use plastic items, to expanding Return and Earn and introducing landmark product stewardship laws,” she said.

Littering of bottles and cans eligible under Return and Earn has dropped by 73 per cent since the scheme began. The program will be expanded by mid-2027 to include items such as wine bottles.

Despite the progress, plastic still makes up most of the litter in waterways, according to the NSW EPA’s Key Littered Items Study. The most commonly littered plastics include confectionery wrappers, snack bags, plastic lollipop sticks, beverage lids and food packaging.

NSW has now set a new target of a 60 per cent reduction in all litter by 2030. The government is reviewing further measures under the NSW Plastics: The Way Forward strategy and working with the Federal Government to strengthen national packaging laws and recycling targets.