What if your next fundraiser required no bake sale, no door-to-door selling, no upfront costs, and no complicated logistics? What if all it took was collecting something people already throw away?
That is exactly what Unlimited Redemption makes possible for schools, churches, scout troops, sports teams, and community organizations across Upstate New York. With 11 convenient locations from Amsterdam to Kingston, all situated inside Beer Universe stores. Unlimited Redemption has built the most accessible, community-friendly bottle and can fundraising network in the region.
In this post, we break down how it works, who it serves, where you can find us, and why more and more Upstate New York groups are turning to Unlimited Redemption as their preferred fundraising partner.
What Is Unlimited Redemption?
Unlimited Redemption is a network of 11 bottle and can redemption centers located across Upstate New York, all conveniently housed inside Beer Universe stores. We accept eligible New York State deposit containers – bottles, cans, and other qualifying empties and return the deposit value directly to you.
For everyday customers, that means a fast and convenient way to recycle empties and get their deposit money back. For community organizations, it means something even more powerful: a completely free, zero-risk fundraising channel that turns something people discard every day into real dollars for a meaningful cause.
The mission behind Unlimited Redemption is simple, make redemption easy, accessible, and beneficial for every community we serve. With 11 locations spread across the region, we are doing exactly that.
Our 11 Upstate New York Locations
One of the biggest advantages of partnering with Unlimited Redemption for your fundraiser is our unmatched geographic reach. Wherever your organization is based in Upstate New York, there is almost certainly an Unlimited Redemption location nearby.
Here are all 11 locations currently serving the community:
- Albany – Serving the Capital Region and surrounding neighborhoods
- Coxsackie – Serving Greene County communities
- Amsterdam – Serving Montgomery County and the Mohawk Valley
- Kingston – Serving Ulster County and the Hudson Valley
- Saugerties – Serving northern Ulster County
- Schenectady-Kelton – Serving western Schenectady neighborhoods
- Schenectady-Union – Serving central Schenectady along Union Street
- Troy-5th Ave – Serving southern Troy communities
- Troy-Northern – Serving northern Troy neighborhoods
- Troy-Hoosick – Serving the Hoosick Street corridor in Troy
- Wynantskill – Serving Rensselaer County communities
This network means a Boy Scout troop in Amsterdam, a church in Kingston, a school in Troy, and a youth sports team in Schenectady can all access the same seamless fundraising program without traveling far. Every location is staffed, equipped, and ready to support your group.
How the Fundraising Program Works
Starting a fundraiser with Unlimited Redemption is one of the simplest things your organization can do. There are no forms to fill out weeks in advance, no product inventory to manage, and no customers to chase down for payments. Here is how it works from start to finish:
Step 1: Start Collecting
Your group begins collecting eligible New York State 5¢ deposit containers – beer bottles, soda cans, water & glass bottles, and other qualifying empties. This can be done through a community collection drive, donation boxes placed at schools or churches, collection at neighborhood events, or simply asking supporters to save their empties over a set period of time.
The beauty of this model is that your community is already generating these containers every single day. You are not asking people to buy something new, you are asking them to redirect something they already have.
Step 2: Choose Your Method – Drop-Off or Pickup
Once your group has collected containers, Unlimited Redemption gives you two flexible options to redeem them:
Option A: Visit Any of Our 11 Locations
Bring your containers to any Unlimited Redemption location inside a Beer Universe store. Our team will manually count your containers on the spot and provide an immediate count. This is ideal for smaller to mid-sized drives where your group can transport the containers themselves. With 11 locations across the region, there is always one close to your organization.
Option B: Schedule a Pickup for Larger Drives
Running a large-scale fundraiser? Unlimited Redemption offers a pickup service for bigger collection drives. Instead of your group hauling hundreds or thousands of containers to a store, we come to you.
Simply schedule a pickup, prepare your containers, and let our team handle the transportation and counting. This is a game-changer for schools, large community organizations, and multi-week drives that accumulate significant volume.
Step 3: Get Counted and Collect Your Funds
Whether you drop off or schedule a pickup, every container is manually counted by our staff – no guessing, no estimates. You receive an accurate, transparent count and the corresponding deposit funds go directly to your organization. Fast processing means your group does not wait around for the money you have earned.
Who Can Run a Fundraiser with Unlimited Redemption?
The short answer: any group, any size, any cause. Unlimited Redemption works with a wide variety of organizations across Upstate New York, including:
- Schools and PTAs – Elementary, middle, and high schools looking for a low-effort fundraiser that students, parents, and staff can all participate in together
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts – Troops looking for a community-minded fundraiser that also teaches environmental responsibility
- Religious Organizations – Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith communities raising funds for programs, missions, or building projects
- Youth Sports Teams – Baseball leagues, soccer clubs, hockey teams, and other youth athletics programs raising money for equipment and travel
- Nonprofits and Charities – Local organizations with ongoing fundraising needs throughout the year
- Community Clubs – Rotary clubs, civic associations, neighborhood groups, and volunteer organizations
No matter the size of your organization or the scope of your campaign, Unlimited Redemption scales with you. A small scout troop collecting a few hundred cans and a school district running a month-long drive with thousands of containers can both be served effectively through the same program.
Why Choose Unlimited Redemption Over Traditional Fundraisers?
Traditional fundraisers come with real drawbacks. Bake sales require time, preparation, and depend on foot traffic. Product fundraisers mean upfront inventory costs and the awkward task of selling to family and friends. Car washes are weather-dependent. Raffles require permits and careful management.
Bottle and can fundraising through Unlimited Redemption eliminates all of those headaches. Here is why organizations across Upstate New York keep coming back:
- Zero upfront cost: Your group does not spend a single dollar to get started
- No selling required: Supporters contribute by saving containers they already have
- Eco-friendly: Your fundraiser actively supports New York State recycling goals and keeps empties out of landfills
- Flexible participation: Anyone can contribute – students, parents, neighbors, congregation members, and local businesses
- Transparent counting: Manual counting at every location ensures your group receives accurate funds every time
- Pickup available: Large drives do not require your group to manage transportation logistics
- 11 locations: No matter where in Upstate New York your group is based, there is an Unlimited Redemption location nearby
When you combine all of these advantages, bottle and can fundraising with Unlimited Redemption is genuinely one of the most practical, inclusive, and community-friendly fundraising options available in the region.
Located Inside Beer Universe Stores – Convenient by Design
Every Unlimited Redemption center is located inside a Beer Universe store. This is not just a logistical detail – it is a deliberate part of what makes the program so accessible.
Beer Universe stores are well-known, established retail destinations across Upstate New York. They are easy to find, have ample parking, and are already part of the routine for many community members who shop there regularly.
For fundraising groups, this means dropping off containers is as simple as stopping by a store your supporters likely already visit.
It also means that when you schedule a drop-off fundraiser and spread the word through your school, church, or club, supporters do not need directions to an unfamiliar place. They already know where Beer Universe is.
How to Get Started – Right Now
Starting a fundraiser with Unlimited Redemption is fast and straightforward. Here is everything your organization needs to do:
- Step 1: Contact Unlimited Redemption to let us know about your group and your fundraising goals
- Step 2: Choose your preferred collection method, in-store drop-off at any of the 11 locations or scheduled pickup for large drives
- Step 3: Promote your drive within your community and start collecting eligible New York State 5¢ deposit containers
- Step 4: Visit your nearest Unlimited Redemption location or schedule your pickup when you are ready
- Step 5: Get counted, receive your funds, and put them toward your cause
The entire process is designed to be as effortless as possible for your organization. Unlimited Redemption handles the logistics, counting, and processing, your group focuses on collecting and celebrating the results.
One Mission. 11 Locations. Unlimited Potential.
Unlimited Redemption was built on the belief that fundraising should not be complicated, expensive, or stressful. It should be accessible to every school, every church, every scout troop, and every community group, regardless of their size or resources.
With 11 locations across Albany, Coxsackie, Amsterdam, Kingston, Saugerties, Schenectady, Troy, and Wynantskill, we are already a part of the communities we serve. Every can redeemed supports not just your organization, but also a greener, more connected Upstate New York.
Ready to start your fundraiser with Unlimited Redemption?
Visit any of our 11 Beer Universe locations, or reach out to schedule a pickup for your next large collection drive. Your mission matters, and we are here to help you fund it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my organization start a bottle and can fundraiser in Upstate NY?
It’s simple: start collecting NYS 5¢ deposit containers and choose between dropping them off at any of our 11 Unlimited Redemption locations or scheduling a pickup for larger drives. There are no upfront costs, no selling required, and no complicated forms to fill out.
Which groups are eligible for the Unlimited Redemption fundraising program?
Any community group can participate! We partner with schools, PTAs, Boy & Girl Scout troops, youth sports teams, religious organizations, and local nonprofits across Albany, Troy, Schenectady, and the surrounding regions.
Do you offer pickup services for large bottle drives?
Yes! For high-volume fundraisers, Unlimited Redemption offers a convenient pickup service. Instead of hauling thousands of containers yourself, you can schedule a pickup and our team will handle the transportation and manual counting for you.
Where are Unlimited Redemption fundraising centers located?
We have 11 convenient locations housed inside Beer Universe stores across Upstate New York, including Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Amsterdam, Kingston, Saugerties, Coxsackie, and Wynantskill.
