Bottle drives show just how effective a container deposit return scheme will be for fundraising in Aotearoa. When empties are worth 20c each, they quickly become a useful fundraising tool for schools, clubs and other groups. The money stays local, so It’s a win for whānau, communities, and te taiao.
What is a container return scheme?
Container return schemes already operate in 32 countries worldwide. They encourage drink container recycling and reduce litter.
These schemes typically add a small deposit (say 20c) to the price of a drink. This can be reclaimed when the empty bottle can or carton is returned to a drop off point at a local supermarket, depots or recycling centre.
The refundable deposit gives people a simple incentive to return empty drink containers once they’ve finished with them and pick up any that have been littered, because the finder gets to claim the deposit.
A container return scheme has been designed for New Zealand, but the government has not made it into law yet. Surveys show 76% of New Zealanders want a scheme introduced here (IPSOS 2025).
Three bottle drive success stories
Three organisations ran bottle drives to see how useful a container return scheme would be to fundraise for their local school, group or whānau.
Thames, Waikato
Container returns were impressive in March 2026, when the Thames Scouts partnered with the Seagull Centre to run a local bottle drive.
The event team said it was quicker and easier than a sausage sizzle and they’d be keen to run similar fundraising events once the government introduced a container return scheme.
With strong support from the Thames community, the Scouts collected 3,928 empty drink containers, raising $785.60 for their group. Halfway into their three-hour event, they had already reached their initial target of 2,500 containers ($500).
They collected: 2,106 glass bottles, 1,114 aluminium cans, 635 plastic drink bottles and 73 drink cartons. 54% of the items collected were glass bottles.
This was a simple, local initiative. It shows how quickly communities could respond once a nationwide container return scheme is introduced by the government.
Wharekahika/ Hicks Bay, Tairāwhiti
Tairāwhiti Environment Centre and Paratoa (Waste Warriors) worked together in Wharekahika/Hicks Bay to run two community bottle drives in December 2025.
“We currently have a situation in Tairāwhiti where the recycling volumes are low, litter is high and the cost to get materials back sits with councils and ratepayers,” said Tairāwhiti Environment Centre.
“Container return schemes could change all that, by shifting the cost of recycling onto the drink producers and creating jobs and fundraising opportunities for our communities as well. Many people will remember taking their bottles in for a refund in the 70s. It’s time to bring it back.“
Tamariki got into the spirit of recycling at the two bottle drives, which saw 5,000 empty bottles, cans and cartons collected in return for a cash refund. Almost half of them – 46% – were glass, 31% were plastic, 22% were cans and 1% were tetra items.
Paratoa (Waste Warriors) is a kaupapa of Wharekahika-based Te Aroha Kanarahi Trust. Chair Ani Pahuru-Huriwai said she was “pleasantly surprised” by the response from the community, especially the tamariki.
“This trial has proven a great success for our little hāpori (community). A container return scheme here would undoubtedly reduce litter and increase recycling.”
“In just a couple of hours at our first bottle drive, we were able to collect 2,417 empties and refund 20c for each one to the local kids who dropped them off. Our tamariki are really enthusiastic. We’re growing the next generation of kaitieki.”
South Auckland
South Auckland Middle School raised $477.40 in a single lunch break in a ‘bottle drive’ trial supported by the Beautification Trust in November 2025.
Louise Beuvink from the Beautification Trust said “This highlighted why a container deposit return scheme would be a great move for Aotearoa, helping us reduce litter, waste less and recycle more.”
2,387 bottles and cans were saved from litter or landfill, with each empty earning 20c. The proceeds are going to the local Boomers’ Shed to make a picnic bench for the school where the kids can eat their lunch.
“The kids were awesome and really got behind it. We talked about how our choices impact te taiao, and you could see it click for them. It wasn’t just fundraising, it was about looking after their kura and the environment.” said Leigha Stroeven from the Beautification Trust.
The kids were amazing! They worked really hard, collecting and counting all the bottles and cans. It was a real aha moment for them, seeing that empties could be valuable. They were incredibly engaged and excited for the opportunity to run this at their school.
Chantelle Te Hira – South Auckland Middle School – said “Our rangatahi really stepped up. They were organised, enthusiastic and proud of what they achieved together. It showed them that even a small kura can make a big impact.”
Takanini MP Rima Nakhle (National) joined the school on the day to see the action firsthand.
Daniel Barthow from the Beautification Trust explained that “Seeing the rangatahi really click that all these bottles have real value they can tap into was inspiring. They literally understood the true value of what often ends up trashed or littered.
“A refund system puts real value back into local hands, cuts waste and brings people together around a shared purpose. This is exactly the kind of practical change a container deposit return scheme could deliver across Aotearoa.”
Government legislation is needed to enable a Container Deposit Return Scheme for Aotearoa that could make this event a regular fundraiser in schools.
