Queensland schools could share in "tens of millions" of dollars in extra funding under a proposal to send money earned from recycling directly to state schools, according to P&Cs Queensland.

Key Points: State schools could collect 'tens of millions' a year under the container refund scheme, according to P&Cs Queensland

State schools could collect 'tens of millions' a year under the container refund scheme, according to P&Cs Queensland P&Cs Queensland wants people who recycle containers to be able to donate their refunds direct to schools

P&Cs Queensland wants people who recycle containers to be able to donate their refunds direct to schools It also wants collection spots on school grounds to help fundraise and encourage recycling at schools

P&Cs Queensland has put forward a plan for schools to benefit from machines set up to collect recyclables, when the state's container refund scheme starts later this year.

Rather than take the refund, the organisation wants to help people donate it directly to the school of their choice, even if it's in another part of the state.

If the machines were installed near a major hotel or shopping centre, P&C Queensland chief Kevan Goodworth said it could turbocharge fundraising efforts by the schools.

P&Cs Queensland hopes to install collection points, similar to this reverse vending machine, at schools to encourage recycling, while also providing funds to schools. ( ABC News: Chris O'Brien )

Already up to 100 schools are interested in sharing in the windfall that could come from the recycling plan, he said.

"We hope to enrol as many schools as wish to be enrolled to start making money in this particular way, because there are some tens of millions of dollars, I think, five years down the track," Mr Goodworth said.

"If you look at this scheme and it evolves the way we hope that it does, it will be extremely profitable for school P&Cs."

According to P&C numbers, if 360 students at a school returned 10 containers per week for the school year, it would raise an extra $10,000 for the campus.

In South Australia, Scout groups have their own range of recycling centres around Adelaide, and run a service in which they obtain the refunds by collecting material from venues, clubs and groups.

How the smallest Queensland schools could score big

P&Cs Queensland said its scheme, if supported by the Queensland Government, would evolve so every state school campus would become a recycling collection point.

Mr Goodworth said the cans, bottles and recyclables from the school would be put in, plus parents and students would be encouraged to drop off their own material to boost the schools' budgets.

"Just imagine a small regional centre where there is a hotel or big retailer next door that is happy to donate their cans to the local school. You can multiply what the school might raise by 100 times."

When Queensland's container deposit refund scheme starts in September, P&Cs Queensland hopes recyclers will be given the option to donate their refund directly to state schools. ( ABC News: Chris O'Brien )

Mr Goodworth estimates that after five years, the scheme could deliver an extra $10 million to schools each year.

"This is a great opportunity for all of us in Queensland to get in behind the P&C and make sure the cans and bottles, and money from them, comes to schools."

A spokesman for the Education Department said he was aware that P&Cs Queensland was developing the proposal but declined to say if the department would support it.

He said each school's P&C would have to decide whether to be involved in the plan, should it go ahead.