Share Your Story to Win up to $7,000!

Prizes — Open to all BC schools

• 

  1st Place: $5,000

• 

  2nd Place: $2,500

• 

  3rd Place: $1,000

BONUS PRIZE: Create a short video and you could win an extra $2,000! (Video is optional.)

Contest Details

By taking part in the Return-It School Story Contest, you’ll be joining hundreds of schools that recycle thousands of beverage containers each year. We want to hear the story behind your school’s program:

• How is it structured?
• How did students get involved?
• What did your school do with the deposit refunds?

The contest runs from August 30, 2025 to April 30, 2026. While your recycling program is underway this year, collect photos, stories, and details to help bring your entry to life.

Story Submission Guidelines

• Keep your story to 3 pages (about 750 words), plus photos (any layout)
• Minimum 11-point font
• Submit as a PDF

Requirements:

• Total containers collected: Share the total number of refundable beverage containers your school recycled.
• Total refunds earned: Include the deposit refund amount ($) collected.
• Depot location: Name the Return-It Depot your school used.
• Project goals: Explain the objectives of your recycling program or project.
• Measuring success: Describe how you measured success (e.g., number of participants, community impact, funds raised).

Review the Contest Criteria & Guidelines, and Contest Rules & Regulations before submitting

Video Submission Guidelines (Optional Bonus Prize)

Want to go for the extra $2,000 bonus prize? Create a short video to showcase your school’s recycling journey!

Your video could:

• Show how your school recycles beverage containers
• Share how many beverage containers you collected
• Explain why recycling matters to your school

Requirements:

• Length: 30 sec – 2 min
• Format: MP4 or MOV
• File name: SchoolName_BonusVideo.mp4
• Submit a signed release form with your video

Suggested Structure:

• Introduce Your School & Team (5–15 sec): Share your school name, recycling team, and mission.
• Show the Process (15–60 sec): Clips of students collecting containers, sorting, and dropping them off at a Return-It Depot.
• Share the Why (60–90 sec): Explain why recycling matters to your school or community—include short interviews with students or teachers if you’d like.

Filming Tips:

• Use natural light when possible
• Record in a quiet space or add captions
• Add school-friendly music
• Keep clips short and engaging
• Use fun, positive, and school-friendly tone

How to Enter:

1. Film your video (phones work great!)
2. Upload it to YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer
3. Share the link in your contest submission form

Best of all, the program is 100% free for BC schools—and your school keeps all deposit refunds from recycling beverage containers.