In a bid to remove more recyclable waste from landfills, the landmark 10-cent Container Deposit Scheme legislation was passed through parliament, with community groups able to swap cans and bottles for cash from July next year.

With a goal to reduce litter in NSW by 40 per cent in 2020, beverage suppliers will be responsible for covering the costs of refunds through agreements with a scheme coordinator that will be appointed by the Environment Minister.

The Challenge Community Service recycling point would be one of the local collection points for the scheme, with the provider citing the legislation as a positive step.

The plant currently processes around 10,000 tonnes of recyclable waste each year.

“It will probably increase recycling levels, and possibly create another job,” Challenge recycling manager Victor Collett said.

“At this stage I believe we will be buying the product off the public to increase recycling levels around the state.

“The whole idea of the project is to reduce the amount going to landfill, it is a positive for the whole community, not just for Challenge.”

Containers not eligible for the scheme  include plain milk, wine, pure fruit juice (more than 1 litre), health tonics and large flavoured milk containers.

The scheme was welcomed by Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson this week.

“Community groups will be able to swap their cans and bottles for cash from 1 July 2017 following the successful passage of the legislation on Wednesday October, 19,” Mr Anderson said.

“This new legislation will go a long way to helping us clean up our public areas and waterways. By providing a financial incentive to do the right thing it will encourage more people to take steps that will benefit everyone.

“To build a better region we need to continually look at ways of bettering our energy production and recycling processes which is why this new legislation is so important to our region.”