Drop & Go vs. SkipTheDepot: Which Saves You More?
App pickups are convenient, but they keep a percentage of your refund. Here's an honest, side-by-side look at your options.
If you'd rather not wait in line, you have a few options for returning bottles around Spruce Grove. The big trade-off is convenience versus how much of your refund you keep. Here's an honest comparison.
The three main options
- Depot Drop & Go — tag your bag, leave it, pick up the cash or e-transfer later. Full refund, no fee.
- Free depot pickup — we come to you for orders over $50 within 15 km. Full refund, no fee.
- App pickup (e.g. SkipTheDepot) — a driver collects your bags, but the service typically keeps around 30% of your refund.
What the fee actually costs you
On a $50 bag of containers, a 30% service fee is about $15 gone. Over a year of regular returns — or across a school bottle drive — that adds up fast. Our Drop & Go and pickup are free, so you keep the full Alberta deposit.
When convenience is worth it
If you only have a small bag and can't get to the depot at all, an app pickup may still beat letting cans pile up. But if you can drop a bag in our drive-thru, or you've got enough to qualify for free pickup, you'll keep more of your money with the depot.
The bottom line
For most households and every fundraiser, the math favours the depot: same convenience with Drop & Go, none of the fee. Curious what your load is worth first? Try the calculator on our refund rates page.
Frequently asked
How much does SkipTheDepot charge?
App-based pickup services typically keep around 30% of your refund as a service fee. Our Drop & Go and free pickup keep 0%.
Is depot Drop & Go really free?
Yes. You get the full Alberta deposit back — we don't charge a handling or service fee.
What's the minimum for free depot pickup?
We offer free pickup for orders we estimate at $50 or more within a 15 km radius of the depot.
Drive-thru, Drop & Go, free pickup, or a bottle drive for your group — we make it easy.