Consider adopting a community as a way of increasing revenue. Let them know ahead of time when you will be coming through the area to collect donations. This can be done by circulating flyers or door hangers (as seen below) to the area you plan to cover. If you conduct bottle drives as a regular part of your fundraising then tell the community during this bottle drive when you will be there next time.
FRONT BACK
By communicating with the community ahead of time you can speed up your trip through the neighbourhood on the day of the event. Door hangers with specific time/date can also include the offer to place their donation on the porch with the door hanger attached. This way you don't have to knock on the door or even wait for them to retrieve their donation.
Your local Depot owner has participated in hundreds of bottle drives. He can help you plan your event and give you advice on how to best get the donations in his system so you get to spend more time doing the collecting.
Depots have tools like megabags and bagstands that help them do their work. Many Depots have some of these tools available to help you run a more successful bottle drive. Ask them what they have to help you earn more money.
Make sure you are familiar with what can earn you money - like empty beverage containers - and what will create problems for you - like becoming their recycling bin. You don't have time or space to be hauling their trash or recyclables around. If you are not familiar with what is eligible for a deposit refund check out "What it Becomes" on this website.