We've tried to set environmentally aware example by creating our collection boxes from recycled material. For large containers, I called a local restaurant and asked the owner to save the plastic jars they receive mayo, ketchup, salad dressing, etc. in. They were kind enough to clean the containers before passing on. For small containers, we use old baby wipe boxes, powdered drink mix containers, plastic ice cream buckets, butter, etc. Let the item soak for a while so the label easily comes off, dry and then use a permanent marker to write on BOX TOPS. We have a small container in every classroom and larger containers in the break rooms of local businesses, usinge the same containers year after year, until they fall apart. Then replacing a few each year is not much of a headache.
Another tip - don't think you have to do this alone! Ask some of your friends to spend an hour some morning in the school library getting them ready...ask your child's teacher or school art instructor if she could incorporate this into a project using the kids decorate peel & stick labels (relatively inexpensive, in the stationery aisle at most stores).
