The Australian Greens say the successful introduction of a container deposit scheme in the Northern Territory could push the Federal Government to embracing one nationally.

The Territory scheme comes into effect next year but could face a legal challenge from drink company Coca-Cola Amatil.

The federal environment minister will meet his state and territory counterparts in Canberra tomorrow, and Greens Senator Scott Ludlam says he hopes a national container deposit scheme will be discussed.

"I hope it does push them along," he said.

"I think we are going to see agitation, certainly from Western Australia, from Victoria and New South Wales as well.

"I think the industry is rightly concerned about a patchwork of schemes taking place across the country but it is incumbent on industry to be a clear and united voice for a national scheme."

Senator Ludlam says the Commonwealth government has been considering introducing a national container deposit scheme for years.

He says any such scheme would be less vulnerable to a legal challenge than that being introduced in the Territory.

"As far as I can tell, the company (Coca-Cola Amatil) is resting on a legal technicality that would have no bearing at all in the instance of a Commonwealth scheme," he said.

"I would be interested to see whether they have the nerve to take the Commonwealth government to the High Court but I do not think they would have grounds to do so."

Earlier this week, Clean Up Australia founder and chairman Ian Kiernan said a legal challenge to Northern Territory container deposit laws threatened the future of recycling around the nation.

Coca-Cola Amatil says the laws could breach a Commonwealth Act that guarantees standard regulation of the sale of goods around Australia.

Mr Kiernan says a successful challenge by the company would derail the push for a national container deposit scheme.

"If they win, it will be a huge win for the irresponsible beverage industry and a huge loss for the environment, and the citizens of Australia," he said.