I propose we do away with the 5 cent bottle redemption fee and replace it with a new system based on a lottery. Here's how it would work: Automated supermarket redemption centers would be programmed to flag every ten-thousandth bottle, for instance. The lucky person recycling that ten-thousandth bottle would get a ticket redeemable at the checkout counter for $500! The economics are the same. You can redeem 10,000 bottles over a period of a year, let's say, and get $500 in nickels, or you can redeem one bottle and if you're the lucky individual, get $500 all at once! I think people would be more inclined to bring their bottles to the supermarket redemption center if they stood the chance of winning $500.
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The current bottle deposit system is self-supportive; you pay a nickel for every new bottle purchased, and you get a nickel back when you return the bottle. The lottery system seems to pull the reward money out of thin air. Somebody has to pay for it, and I'm pretty sure the supermarkets and distributors don't want to. I think a better way to motivate people to recycle is to increase the deposit price. A company in my area uses reusable milk bottles with a $1.00 deposit, and I wouldn't be caught dead throwing one of those away. Basically, the deposit must increase with inflation in order to keep people serious about recycling.
I agree -- I'd say raise it a little -- but no lottery. For several reasons... a) In 31 years I haven't ever won a thing ... so I'd NEVER be that "lucky person" and b) lots of homeless people are dependent on the money they make collecting bottles... I don't think that would be fair to have them going around collecting bottles all day and get squat for it.