Here is a chance to win big, recycle more, all while turning trash into treasures
Canada aims to achieve zero plastic waste by 2030, but current recycling rates remain low—only 34% of glass, 40% of plastic bottles, and 70% of aluminum cans are recycled globally. Traditional deposit refund systems help, but millions of containers still end up as litter or landfill. A recent experiment tested whether a lottery-style refund could motivate people to recycle more. Instead of a guaranteed 10-cent return, participants were offered a 0.01% chance to win $1,000 for each container. The result? Recycling increased by 47%, and participants reported feeling happier with the lottery option. Researchers stress that this should complement, not replace, guaranteed refunds to accommodate diverse financial needs and risk preferences. Norway uses a similar system, achieving a 92.3% return rate in 2023. Unlike gambling, the recycling lottery has no addictive features and maintains fairness through transparent odds, offering a promising way to boost recycling and reduce waste. Learn more about this plan.
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