Crown cork collection

Since February 2022, crown caps, i.e. bottle tops, can be handed in at the recycling centers of Kommunalservice Jena (KSJ) in the specially marked collection garbage cans, the so-called "treasure boxes". The "crown caps" campaign enables everyone to support regional projects with a little passion for collecting and at the same time actively contribute to recycling.

The idea came from Jena vocational school teacher Shabnam Staudt, who submitted it as part of the Citizens' Budget 2022. The KSJ immediately implemented the concept - even before it was put to the vote. The "treasure chests" are located at the recycling centers at Löbstedter Straße 56 and Emil-Wölk-Straße 13a in Jena. In addition to citizens, initiatives and companies are also involved in the good cause.

Crown cork collection campaign
©KSJ
Crown cap

Impressive collection results:

The quantities collected have increased year on year:

  • 2022: 1,043 kg of crown caps - donation handed over to the Jena Children's Aid Foundation
  • 2023: 1.955 kg of crown caps - donation to the Jena Hospice
  • 2024: 6,883 kg of crown corks - donation handed over to the Ronald McDonald House Jena

The 2025 crown cork collection brought in around 4.25 tons of crown corks. This resulted in a donation of 970.02 euros for the educational work of Naturschutzjugend Jena (NAJU). This is the second-best result since the campaign was launched.

The donation was handed over at the NAJU regional office in Jena-Leutra. The funds will go towards environmental education work and the operation of the NaturErlebnisHaus Leutratal, an integral part of regional children and youth work.

Thanks to the donors

Special thanks go to all supporters who made this result possible:

  • Hospiz Jena - largest single donation with over 400 kg of crown caps
  • Citizens from Jena and Pößneck - between 130 and 180 kg
  • numerous associations, initiatives and individuals with continuous collections

It continued in 2026 with a new donation target

The crown cork collection remains a joint campaign. The KSJ continues to cover the handling costs. As usual, the respective donation amount is based on the current scrap rate - transparent and comprehensible. From 2026, donations will be collected for the Jena animal shelter via the Tierheimverein Jena e.V. association. The next donation handover is scheduled for January 2027. Those who collect support recycling - and at the same time strengthen nature and animal protection in our region.

Join in - every crown cap counts!