From Staff Reports

The Nickel Per Nip Environmental Fee, a program that just passed its three-year anniversary on Oct. 1, 2024, reports it has generated more than $13.5 million for cities and towns across Connecticut. Larry Cafero, Executive Director and General Counsel of the Wine & Spirit Wholesalers of Connecticut (WSWC), shared the data and program results in a November media announcement. Cafero also said that the revenue for the latest reporting period—April 1 through Sept. 30, 2024—was $2.4 million, an increase of approximately $77,000 over the same time period last year.

Via this program, every city and town in Connecticut receives 5 cents for each nip sold within its borders. The program was designed to help cities and towns provide for the collection and proper disposal of nips to combat littering. Data from the WSWC shows that some cities and towns have used the funds to support recycling centers and litter-reduction initiatives.

“This program is working exactly as was intended when it became law in 2021,” said Cafero. “The revenue it generates is being used to clean up litter, and it’s even enhanced recycling efforts across the state. In a state where many residents care about the environment, that matters. No matter how you look at it, the program’s been a resounding success.” See the complete spreadsheet of local town payments here.