Your environment

Sunrise in the Warrumbungle National Park
Storm clouds, La Niña, Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve
Air

Breathing clean air is essential for health and wellbeing. The EPA strives to keep our air clean by measuring air quality, setting standards, regulating industries, and community reporting of air pollution.

Plastic chemical bottles

We present information on the chemicals you use at home, what the law says about using chemicals, and how we enforce the rules.

Murrumbidgee River from bridge in Balranald town at sunrise

Learn about the causes and consequences of climate change, the NSW Government’s response, and how the EPA is strengthening its approaches.

Sampling contaminated soil with sample bottle and person in disposable gloves

What to do if land is contaminated, how we deal with it and prevent it, and the current list of notified sites.

Dangerous goods tanker inspection

We explain the rules around transporting dangerous goods by road and rail, how to get driver and vehicle licences for transporting dangerous goods, and how to get training.

A drill, gloves, disposable face mask scattered on the floor

Protect yourself and the community from the dangers of treated timber, lead and asbestos in your home. Read about safety precautions, and what you should know before disposing of building waste.

Illegally dumped waste, brick, rocks, rubble, construction site rubbish

Everybody hates littering and dumping. Here’s what we’re doing to stop it, and what you can do to help.

Litter on a beach

Litter is anything unwanted that has been thrown away, blown away or left in the wrong place. Find out what we're doing to prevent littering.

View up to tree canopy, blue sky

We regulate the native forestry industry in NSW. Learn about how we maintain the quality of soils and water, our work to protect precious habitat for our native wildlife, and how we enforce the rules for sustainable timber production.

Noise inspection at construction site

Read our advice on what you can do about noise pollution in your area, and the rules around noise.

EPA officer and client inspecting gas pipeline

The EPA, as a leader, partner and protector, works with government agencies, industry and communities to ensure onshore gas operators meet their statutory responsibilities.

Pesticide spray unit

Pesticides are substances used to manage or eliminate pests. As some pesticides can threaten human health and the environment, the EPA controls their use in NSW and provides advice for people working with pesticides.

Assortment of single-use plastic cutlery

The supply of some single-use plastics are now being phased-out in NSW. Find out more and whether any exemptions apply to you.

Image of a CT scan

The EPA regulates the use, sale, disposal, transport and clean-up of radioactive substances and radiation apparatus in NSW.

Bins and sections of Community Recycling Centre

Not everything needs to go to landfill – there are many ways we can reuse and recycle. The EPA leads efforts in NSW to increase recycling, by people, businesses, and governments. Learn about our programs and have your say on our plans.

rear view of a garbage truck

Most activities generate waste, some of which is hazardous. The EPA manages the transport and disposal of hazardous waste, and works with industry to find sustainable solutions to minimise the amount of waste going to landfill.

Person kayaking in Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area

Clean water has a positive impact on human health, the environment and the economy. The EPA works to minimise pollution and improve water quality, including collaborating with other agencies on Our Living River.