For schools, clubs and youth groups
Collecting deposit at school
A collection campaign that works without constant volunteer effort: a visible container into which pupils and guests drop their empties — the proceeds go entirely to a project the school can help choose.
Recognised and supported by
Why it works at schools
Fundraising campaigns at schools rarely fail for lack of will, but for lack of organisation: they need dates, agreements and people to carry them. A deposit collection needs none of that. The container is in place, the empties accumulate anyway, and the contribution has already been paid — nobody has to bring money.
That is exactly how the initiative started: schools were the first partners. The campaign has been covered in the press, including the project at the Alexander von Humboldt School in Wittmund.
What the school gets out of it
A hands-on project
Not an abstraction, but an object in the school building. The class watches the container fill up and learns where the proceeds go.
Responsibility to practise
A class, the student council or a study group can look after the campaign: choose the location, send word when it is full, make the result visible in the school.
A link to the classroom
The circular economy, the deposit system, consumption and responsibility can be explained using your own container instead of a textbook.
How it works
| Step | What happens | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Agree | Clarify location, container variant and donation goal | Together, in a short conversation |
| 2. Set up | The container arrives and is placed visibly | The school chooses the spot |
| 3. Collect | Empties are dropped in, a sign explains the purpose | Runs by itself |
| 4. Pick up | A short message is enough, we collect free of charge | We |
| 5. Pass on | Redeem, settle, donate to the chosen project | We |
Where the container should stand. Where people drink and where everyone passes by: next to the vending machine, in the canteen, in the foyer or at the exit to the schoolyard. A container in the basement corridor becomes a bin; one along the way becomes a natural stop.
For clubs too
At the edge of the pitch
In the clubhouse, at the edge of the pitch and at club events, empties accumulate regularly — and there is rarely anyone who enjoys driving to the deposit machine. Same solution, same conditions: one-off cost for the container, free collection, no contract lock-in.
For club events there is also the Event service an option.
Ordering without a credit card. Schools, clubs and public institutions order in the shop by bank transfer: the invoice arrives by e-mail and can be paid via the school office, parents' association or club treasury. For funding applications and resolutions by parents' councils or boards there is a price overview with service description as a PDF – or you request an individual quote.
Frequently asked questions from schools and clubs
Who pays for the container?
The container is bought once. Often a friends' association, a parents' council or a local sponsor takes this on. Talk to us if you are looking for a solution — we know the usual ways. What matters when buying a deposit container matters, we explain step by step. On request you can order by bank transfer against invoice; for the application to the parents' association or school authority we provide a price overview as a PDF ready.
Does it create ongoing work for teachers?
No. After set-up, a short message when the container is full is all it takes. We handle the redeeming and the settlement.
Can we choose the donation goal ourselves?
Yes, partners can have a say in which of the supported projects receives the proceeds. This combines well with a vote in class or in the club.
Is the container safe for children?
The container is made of robust plastic, has no sharp edges and stands upright. A locking system is available for freely accessible locations.
What about glass bottles?
The bottle container is designed for PET bottles, not for glass. There are separate variants for cans and reusable cups.
Do we get something for the school website?
Yes, the cooperation seal and material from the Media Kit may be used by partners for their own communication.
For the school website
Partners receive the cooperation seal and may display it on their website, in the school newsletter and on social media. Templates and materials are in the Media Kit ready.
Let's talk briefly
A call or an e-mail is enough to clarify whether a collection campaign is worthwhile for you and how it can be organised.
Write to info@spendedeinpfand.com, call us on 0221 29246389 or use the contact page. We usually reply within one working day. The frequently asked questions answer many points in advance.