Help
FAQ
Quick answers about recycling with Bottlepath, drop-offs, challenges, and where the money goes.
What is Bottlepath?
Bottlepath turns plastic bottles and cans into donations for charity. You log recyclables in the app, drop them off with a volunteer, and the value goes to partner non-profits, so your weekly trash supports communities in need.
How does drop-off work?
Log into the app, record what you have, then bring it to a drop-off and hand it to a volunteer. From there, collections move through BottleTrack so you can follow the path from the park shift to the cause.
Where does the money go?
Funds go to partner non-profits we work with directly, including NOAH’s food pantry in Rohnert Park, Bukonde Women’s Initiative, Hope of Africa, and CTWC in Mbale. See each partner on the non-profits page. We also share what your money is going into in Updates, so you can follow the plans underway.
What are challenges and rewards?
Challenges let your city race toward a shared recycling goal. Track progress live and climb with neighbors before the deadline. Check-ins can also unlock rewards, like a tree planted with your name when you hit the redeem threshold.
How do I track a collection?
Use BottleTrack with your tracking number to follow a collection from volunteer pickup through to the cause. Still stuck? Email help@bottlepath.org.
What recyclables do you accept?
Anything with CRV (California Redemption Value). Not sure if yours qualifies? Check CalRecycle’s consumer CRV guide.
Where and when can I drop off?
Open the map in the app for live drop-off locations and times.
How do I get started in the app?
Log in at app.bottlepath.org and you’re in.
How are donation rates calculated?
Donation value is split 60% to partners in Africa and 40% to US/local partners.
Can I choose which non-profit receives my donation?
Not yet. Choosing a specific non-profit opens on November 14, 2026.
How do I join a city challenge?
In the app, open Challenges, pick an active city race (like a spring cleanup), and register with your city team. Every check-in after that counts toward the shared goal before the deadline.
How and when do I redeem rewards?
Redeem in the app once you hit the reward threshold.
How can I volunteer with Bottlepath?
Start on the volunteers page, then open the volunteer app.
Where does Bottlepath operate right now?
Sonoma County and eastern Uganda, with hopes to expand into more counties and countries abroad.
Can I donate money instead of recyclables?
Yes. As of , we currently take donations through Cash App while we look for a more reliable way to send money over the web.