A method and system for handling, through the use of a reverse vending machine, the return value of empty packaging, e.g., empty packaging in the form of bottles, cans and containers for beverages and food, wherein the reverse vending machine before or after receiving the empty packaging has a means for allowing the customer to indicate either by pressing a first switch that a receipt should be issued related to the return value of the empty packaging for a subsequent refund in cash from the empty packaging recipient, or by pressing a second switch that the return value of the empty packaging is to be used for participation in a lottery. Information elements are transferred from the reverse vending machine to a central database server, and on the basis of these elements the database server issues a number of lottery tickets together with a unique lottery ticket serial number as some of the information elements sent back to the reverse vending machine, whereupon on confirmation of purchase, a lottery ticket is issued by a printer in the reverse vending machine.