Bathroom basketball: Making recycling a fun habit

What unsustainable behaviour needs to change:

Recycling, despite its societal importance and widespread recognition as a positive norm, is inconsistently practiced, especially in the United States. This inconsistency stems from several challenges: unclear rules about what can be recycled, non-standardised sorting requirements, and the variable availability of recycling facilities. 

Moreover, recycling often feels like an unrewarding task, leading many to prioritise convenience over responsibility. These hurdles, coupled with an absence of immediate gratification or visible impact, hinder the formation of lasting recycling habits. For recycling to become second nature, we need innovative solutions that are both clear and motivating.

The Green Nudge:

Enter Bathroom Basketball—a playful recycling intervention spotted at organic body care company Badger Balm in New Hampshire, USA. This innovative nudge combines gamification with behavioural insights to encourage sustainable actions. A small basketball hoop is mounted above a recycling bin, accompanied by a clear sign indicating which materials (e.g., toilet paper rolls) are recyclable. This setup transforms an otherwise mundane task into a rewarding game.

Why does this work so well? Four key principles are at play:

• Enticement: The setup is hard to resist. Holding an item in hand, the basketball hoop invites you to test your aim, creating a moment of engagement.
• Ease: Positioned near the source of recyclable materials, the hoop removes barriers to action, making recycling effortless.
• Clarity: The prominent hoop and sign ensure no ambiguity. The purpose is unmistakable—toss recyclable items here.
• Satisfaction: Whether you make the shot or not, the act of trying feels rewarding. This positive emotional response reinforces the behaviour, increasing the likelihood of repetition.

This gamified approach highlights how joy and achievement can make eco-friendly habits stick. 

Do you know of any other nudges that gamify sustainability? Feel free to get in touch: hello@green-nudges.com