The brainchild of Port Stephens 2019 Citizen of the Year Alicia Cameron, PFPS was established to help residents and businesses find innovative ways to reduce single-use plastics and educate the community on waste reduction and eco-friendly plastic alternatives.

"The Green Caffeen 'swap and go' scheme, which has taken hold in areas north and south of Port Stephens, aims to save disposable coffee cups from entering landfills and our oceans and waterways," Ms Cameron said.

Green Caffeen was established in 2017 as a 'swap and go' coffee cup concept, where participating cafes and coffee shops provide free, reusable coffee cups at participating outlets.

The scheme was devised by two frustrated dads who knew there was a more convenient, environmentally friendly way to save coffee cups.

"The idea is that customers, who sign up via an app, can take the cup away with them and return the dirty cup to another participating cafe when empty. The only time members are charged ($13) is when a cup remains inactive and not scanned back into the scheme within 30 days."

Ms Cameron said that three Port businesses had come on board - Crest at Birubi Beach, Little Boathouse at Nelson Bay and Little Pantry Co at Medowie.

Crest owner and central ward councillor Sarah Smith said the scheme had Port Stephens Council support.

"This is a fabulous scheme with many long-term benefits, most importantly by reducing the amount of rubbish in our oceans and landfill."

Ms Cameron said that the volunteer group was discussing means to set up a crowdfunding page to introduce Seabins to the Port's four marinas.

"The bins, which cost around $7,600 to install, can collect rubbish, debris, oil, cigarette butts and chemicals and any other unwanted tangible item feeding into our waterways."

"We are also in talks with Salamander Bay shopping centre in the hope of establishing a community bag stand, which operates similar to the successful boomerang bags scheme."