Welsh lottery aims to help boost recycling

A local council in Wales is planning to establish a 'green lottery' in a bid to encourage more people to start recycling.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council's economy and environment scrutiny committee has already given its backing to the scheme, which will now be put before its cabinet, according to the South Wales Echo.

Councillor Rob Curtis, who suggested the idea, wants to investigate various incentive schemes to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, including the introduction of a monthly recycling lottery.

Cllr Curtis suggested that a street and house number could be drawn each month and if the owner runs an eco-friendly home and has registered to take part in the council's recycling scheme, they would win a £100 Fairtrade hamper. 

Cllr Curtis said: "I believe that people should be encouraged to recycle rather than forced. By encouraging people to take part in our doorstep recycling service the council saves money by avoiding landfill tax and also helps protect our environment in the process."

The Vale of Glamorgan Council missed its 40 per cent recycling target in 2009/10, partly due to its performance with regard to dry recyclables. When it comes to recycling rates for these items, such as cans and glass, the council has actually taken a step backwards, slipping from 25.21 per cent in 2008/09 to 24.89 per cent in 2009/10.