Proposed plastics recycling facility in NSW

The proposal for a large-scale plastics recycling facility in the NSW Southern Highlands has attracted strong opposition from the local council and residents.

Plasrefine (Website disabled) Recycling is planning to build a facility to sort and recycle around 120,000 tonnes of soft and rigid plastics each year in Mossvale.

The development is opposed by both local residents and Wingecarribee Shire Council. They argue that the Mossvale site is the wrong location for this type of industry because of its proximity to homes and the water catchment. Concerns have been raised about its impact on visual amenity, traffic, air emissions, water pollution (microplastics) and fire risks.The development is opposed by both local residents and Wingecarribee Shire Council. They argue that the Mossvale site is the wrong location for this type of industry because of its proximity to homes and the water catchment. Concerns have been raised about its impact on visual amenity, traffic, air emissions, water pollution (microplastics) and fire risks.

In October 2024 the NSW Government Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure recommended it for approval as a State Significant Development.

The proposal is now being considered by the Independent Planning Commission. The Commission held several public hearings in late 2024 and received over 2,900 submissions.

Proposal was refused on 24/01/2025.

More information is available here.