NSW Environment Protection Authority

NSW's independent environmental regulator. We protect the health of our environment and communities.

Aerial photograph of Murramarang National Park with lagoon behind beach

Stay up to date

flooded road

We are working closely with councils in Northern NSW to help communities prepare for and undertake waste clean-up following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Child drinking out of a water bubbler

The NSW Government is working to ensure we continue to provide safe drinking water to the people of NSW.

Young Ibis on the wing, Gwydir Wetlands, Northern NSW

Summary of recent regulatory, policy and legislative updates. Listed with most recent update first.

Embedded batteries in used vapes

Safe disposal of embedded batteries, including vapes, is under new trial. Find where to recycle them.

Bins and sections of Community Recycling Centre

CRC and Household Chemical CleanOut event services are currently disrupted, please check with the local council before visiting a centre or attending an event.

FOGO truck

NSW has a statewide mandate for Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling, to reduce food waste and stop food waste going to landfill.

EPA officers at Tomingley Gold Operations

Read updates on environmental issues we are managing.

Assortment of single-use plastic cutlery

Several problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic items are banned, with further items to be reviewed in the future.

Latest media releases

See all media releases
flooded road
12 Mar 2025

As the lead agency for the Environmental Services Functional Area (EnvSFA), the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) supports emergency management arrangements for the protection of the environment prior to, during, and after an emergency.

Secondhand jackets hanging on a metal frame underneath a sign which reads Garage Sale Trail
05 Mar 2025

Port Macquarie locals embraced the circular economy, rehoming over 22,700 items and saving $282,000 during Australia’s biggest second-hand shopping event, Garage Sale Trail.

Aerial photo, Coopernook State Forest
28 Feb 2025

Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) has been fined a total of $30,000 by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for failing to protect critical habitat in Conglomerate State Forest near Coffs Harbour.