More than 100 leaders from industry, councils, the NSW government and the community have joined forces at the Western Sydney Litter Summit to address one of that region’s most persistent, costly and preventable environmental challenges — litter.

Litter is costing Western Sydney ratepayers more than $31 million each year, prompting urgent calls for coordinated action.

Convened by the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC), the Summit brought together senior representatives from the quick-service restaurant sector, supermarkets, service stations, shopping centres, transport authorities, councils, NSW Government agencies and environmental organisations.

Held at Novotel Sydney West HQ in Rooty Hill on Thursday 30 April, the event focused on practical, cross-sector solutions to stop litter before it enters the environment.

“WSROC’s latest regional litter assessment shows the costs of litter to western Sydney councils have surged to $31 million annually — more than double since 2016/17,” said WSROC President, Councillor Brad Bunting.

“This is a growing financial and environmental burden, but it’s also entirely preventable.”

Participants explored a range of solutions, including better bin infrastructure, targeted education campaigns, and corporate-led initiatives to influence consumer behaviour through packaging design, in-store messaging and business practices.

The event also strengthened partnerships between councils, corporations and government agencies, identifying new opportunities for shared responsibility and long-term collaboration.

“Councils are working with a number of businesses and organisations to collaborate on preventative litter actions, and we encourage the participation of major retailers and land managers across Western Sydney,” said Councillor Bunting.

Clean Up Australia Chair, Pip Kiernan highlighted the power of collective action, reflecting on the 36-year success of Clean Up Australia Day in mobilising communities nationwide.

NSW Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda MP, reinforced the importance of collaboration across government, industry and the community to address litter at its source.

The Summit marked a shift from reactive clean-up to proactive prevention, with a strong focus on the role businesses can play at scale.

“From packaging and store design to transport and operations, businesses have a powerful influence on whether litter is created in the first place,” Councillor Bunting said.

“Simple actions — like reducing unnecessary packaging, improving bin access and embedding clear messaging — can make a significant difference.”

“If we reduce litter, we can redirect millions of dollars into community infrastructure like playgrounds, footpaths and local facilities.”

Delivered on behalf of seven Western Sydney councils — Blacktown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Parramatta and The Hills Shire — the Summit forms part of WSROC’s Western Sydney Regional Litter Prevention Program, brought to you by the NSW Government through the NSW Environment Protection Authority Litter Prevention Program.

“The Western Sydney Litter Summit is an important step toward a cleaner, greener future,” said Councillor Bunting.

“With strong collaboration and a shared vision, our region is well placed to lead litter prevention efforts across NSW.

“Keeping Western Sydney clean is everyone’s responsibility — and together, lasting change is within reach.”