10 Tips for Collecting Deposit Bottles and Cans in Sweden

Whether you're new to deposit collecting or looking to improve your routine, these practical tips will help you find more pant, save time, and maximise your earnings.

Tip 1: Use PantDela

The easiest way to find deposit bottles and cans is through PantDela. Instead of searching parks and streets, browse listings from people who want to give away their deposits. It's free, fast, and saves you time.

• Check the map at pantdela.se/hamta regularly
• Respond quickly to new listings — they go fast in popular areas
• Be friendly when contacting givers via SMS

Tip 2: Know the Best Times

Deposit containers accumulate at predictable times:

• Monday mornings — after weekend gatherings
• After holidays (Midsommar, Easter, Christmas, New Year)
• Summer months — more outdoor consumption
• After sporting events — stadiums and viewing areas
• Friday and Saturday evenings — near bars and restaurants

Tip 3: Focus on High-Traffic Locations

Some locations consistently yield more deposits:

• Parks and recreational areas — especially during warm weather
• Bus stops and train stations — commuters discard cans
• University campuses — students often leave cans behind
• Event venues — concerts, sports, and festivals
• Recycling rooms in apartment buildings — with permission from residents

Tip 4: Bring the Right Equipment

A small investment in equipment makes collecting more efficient:

• Sturdy bags — reusable bags that can handle weight and moisture
• Grabber tool — for reaching containers without bending
• Gloves — keep your hands clean
• Comfortable shoes — you'll be walking a lot
• A cart or trolley — for larger collection rounds

Tip 5: Build Regular Routes

The most successful collectors develop consistent routines:

• Map out a route through your neighbourhood
• Note which locations are most productive
• Visit the same spots at the same times
• Adjust routes based on seasonal patterns
• Include PantDela listings in your route planning

Tip 6: Handle Returns Efficiently

Maximise your time at the reverse vending machine:

• Sort containers before arriving (cans vs. bottles)
• Remove caps from PET bottles in advance
• Crush aluminium cans to fit more in each bag
• Go during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening)
• Visit stores with multiple machines to avoid wait times

Tip 7: Stay Informed About Events

Large events generate massive amounts of deposit containers:

• Check local event calendars regularly
• Monitor social media for pop-up events
• Festivals like Way Out West, Malmöfestivalen, and Gothenburg Culture Festival are goldmines
• Outdoor sports events (running races, football matches) generate many containers
• Even neighbourhood barbecues can yield deposits

Tip 8: Be Respectful and Considerate

Successful collecting depends on positive relationships:

• Always be polite when using PantDela
• Ask before collecting near private property
• Don't make a mess — leave areas cleaner than you found them
• Respect other collectors' established routes
• Thank PantDela givers after pickup

Tip 9: Track Your Earnings

Keep a simple record of your collecting:

• Note daily earnings to identify the most profitable days
• Track time spent to calculate your hourly rate
• Monitor location performance to optimise routes
• Set weekly goals to stay motivated

Many collectors find they earn 50–200 SEK per day with regular effort.

Tip 10: Make It Social

Collecting is more enjoyable with company:

• Bring a friend or family member
• Join community clean-up events that include deposit collection
• Share your experiences with other collectors
• Teach children about recycling while collecting

Bonus: Seasonal Strategies

Spring/Summer

• Focus on outdoor areas, parks, and beaches
• Attend outdoor events and festivals
• Longer daylight hours mean more collection time
• Use PantDela for apartment cleanout listings

Autumn/Winter

• Shift focus to indoor locations and PantDela listings
• Check recycling rooms in apartment buildings
• Fewer outdoor containers but less competition
• Post-holiday periods (Christmas, New Year) are productive

Getting Started Today

Deposit collecting in Sweden is accessible to everyone. Whether you're doing it for extra income, environmental consciousness, or simply as an active hobby, these tips will help you make the most of your efforts.

Start by checking PantDela for available deposits near you — it's the quickest way to find pant without spending hours searching.