A drinks container deposit scheme is to be introduced in NSW within the next few weeks as part of a plan to clean up the state's beaches and parks.

The details of the cash for containers scheme are still being finalised but it is likely to feature a rebate of 10 cents per item.

The NSW Government has been negotiating with the drinks industry to introduce the system and Environment Minister Rob Stokes said similar initiatives had proved highly successful in reducing waste in public spaces around the world.

"The beverage industry obviously has a responsibility in terms of the extent of producer liability for their products," Mr Stokes said.

"But we recognise that Government has a strong leadership role to play," he said.

"What we are interested in doing is working together effectively to produce solutions to a shared problem, which is litter and waste in our environment."

Government 'not concerned' about potential for industry backlash

It is believed that reverse vending machines will be placed in public areas along with community recycling centres and that schools and charities would be the main beneficiaries of the new scheme.

The main aim of the cash for containers scheme is to reduce glass and plastic bottles and cans which are typically consumed away from home and left to pollute beaches, parks, waterways and public areas.

The State Government cash for containers plan aims to reduce the amount of pollution in public areas throughout NSW. ( Getty Images: Brendon Thorne )

Mr Stokes said the Government was not concerned about a possible backlash from the drinks industry over the scheme, in the lead up to the state elections in March.

In 2013, drinks giants Coca-Cola, Schweppes and Lion Nathan took Federal Court action against the Northern Territory Government after it introduced a 10 cent container deposit.

The NT Government said the scheme resulted in an extra 35 million containers being returned in the first 12 months.

"The concern of [this] Government is to create good public policy that helps the people of NSW," Mr Stokes said.

"We're not terribly concerned about scare campaigns or those sorts of things.

"We'll do what we believe is right in the public interest."

The federal Greens and recycling campaigners have welcomed news of the cash for containers scheme.

"You put a small charge on your containers and then they're returned and you clean up litter," Australian Greens leader Christine Milne said.

"It's the best case of rethink and recycle.

"Why wouldn't you go with it and I congratulate the Liberals in NSW for making this move."

The national convener of the Boomerang Alliance, Jeff Angel, said similar programs had proved to be the most effective way to reduce litter.

"With a 10 cent deposit you get well over 80 per cent of the drink bottles and cans returned for recycling," Mr Angel said.

"And that's certainly the case in South Australia where we already have a 10 cent deposit that's refundable."