Man digs through dumpster to recover lottery ticket worth $100k — Hundred dollar bills - Stock Photo © BS Photos.

A winning scratch-off ticket accidentally ended up in the trash, forcing one Ohio player into an unexpected search mission

WILLARD, Ohio — A Willard man’s lottery celebration nearly ended before it began after he accidentally threw away a scratch-off ticket that turned out to be worth $100K, prompting a trip into a dumpster to get it back.

According to the Ohio Lottery, the player purchased a Bingo Times 25 Scratch-Off ticket and later realized he had mistakenly discarded it.

By the time he noticed the error, the trash had already been taken out.

The player then searched through a dumpster to recover the ticket.

The effort paid off.

Lottery officials confirmed the ticket was worth the game’s $100,000 top prize.

After required state and federal tax withholdings totaling 26.75%, the winner will receive $73,250.

The winning ticket was purchased at Circle K #5706, located at 418 Walton St. in Willard.

Bingo Times 25 is a $5 Ohio Lottery Scratch-Off game with top prizes of $100,000.

As of June 5, seven top prizes remained available in the game.

The Ohio Lottery said it has contributed more than $34B to education since 1974.

Key Points

An Ohio man accidentally threw away a lottery ticket worth $100K.
He recovered the winning ticket after searching through a dumpster.
The ticket was purchased at a Circle K in Willard.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News