The pool operated as a non-profit association.
Anyone handling fruit and vegetables was entitled to become a member.
A new member signed an agreement to follow the Kisten-Pool rules, purchase containers and pay for each purchased container to the Kisten-Pool.
The members then used as many of the containers in the system as they wanted. The packaging company supplied containers, and the purchaser was obliged to inform the Kisten-Pool about all purchases of new containers.
Members could choose to exchange containers on a one-for-one basis or to pay a deposit per container.