Bottle Drive Fundraisers
A bottle drive is a community fundraiser where people collect empty beverage containers, such as milk jugs, plastic and, glass bottles, and aluminum cans. These items are taken to a bottle depot, and the refund value is used to support causes like sports teams, nonprofits, schools, community projects or helping an individual in need.
A bottle drive is more than just a fundraiser; it's a community-driven opportunity to turn empties into opportunities!
Benefits of Bottle Drives
Earn Big
The average bottle drive earns $2000! To hit that amount, you’d have to sell a ton of chocolate-covered almonds, cookie dough, or rings of sausage.
Everyone Has Empties
Instead of asking people to buy things they may not need, use or even like, you’re asking for something every household has - returnable beverage containers.
Quick and Easy Fundraising
With a bottle drive, you don’t need to wait for products, deal with shipping and storage, or manage items that didn’t sell. Plus, your local bottle depot is there to make things as easy as possible.
Reduces Waste and Keeps Your Community Clean
Bottle drives keep returnable beverage containers from landfills and help keep your neighbourhood clean.
Brings Communities Together
Bottle drives unite communities by bringing people together to raise funds. It's about unity, friendship, and achieving goals together.
Enables Youth
Bottle drives enable kids to participate actively in fundraising and teaches teamwork, responsibility and financial literacy.
Watch this video to learn more about bottle drives and how they can help with your fundraising goals!
How do Bottle Drives work?
Step 1: Talk to Your Local Bottle Depot
Contact your local bottle depot to set up a date and time for your bottle drive. Make sure to ask if they have resources to assist you in planning and promoting your event. They’re here to help make your bottle drive a success!
Step 2: Gather Your Team
Assemble a group of enthusiastic participants who share your passion for a cause and are willing to help with promotions, pickups and help on the day of your bottle drive.
Step 3: Spread the Word
Make posters, door knockers and images to add to posts on social media. Use community bulletin boards, put up posters in local stores, post on Facebook groups, and ask your team to help spread the word.
Step 4: Collect Returnable Beverage Containers
Go door-to-door or set up convenient collection points and watch the community come together to contribute. Wondering which containers can be returned for a refund? Check out our handy Return This/Blue Bin This guide.
Step 5: Collect Your Bottle Drive Money
Bring the returnable beverage containers to your local Alberta Bottle Depot on your pre-determined date and time, and keep the excitement going as you see how much money your bottle drive fundraiser raised.
Step 6: Celebrate Your Success!
Recognize and celebrate your team. Share your success stories and inspire others to join the movement!
Who are bottle drives for?
Sports Teams
Ideal for sports teams of all levels, bottle drives offer a practical and effective way to raise funds for equipment, travel expenses, and team-building activities.
Schools
Schools can use bottle drives to support various educational initiatives, extracurricular activities, and special projects.
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofits can benefit significantly from the community engagement and financial support created by bottle drives.
Community Groups
Local clubs or any community-focused groups can use bottle drives to contribute to their activity.
Individuals Facing Challenges
Bottle drives can provide support for individuals experiencing challenging circumstances, offering a way for communities to come together in times of need.