Hey Westporters – Did you know?

Beginning January 1, Connecticut’s “Bottle Bill” DOUBLED its deposit to 10 cents! Originally established in 1978, the bill functions as a deposit-and-return system for bottles and cans, where specific beverages carry a deposit value, reimbursable upon returning the container.

This bottle bill aims to incentivize recycling and proper disposal of beverage containers by attributing a cash value to each container, making it more likely that the containers will be recycled. States with bottle bills (CT is one of only 10 in the U.S.) have much higher recycling rates for containers than non-bottle bill states. The redemption process, separate from curbside recycling, results in less contamination, contributing to higher-quality recycled materials, particularly for plastics.

Eligible containers include most metal, glass, and plastic beverage containers within specific size ranges for carbonated and non-carbonated drinks. The program covers various beverages but excludes certain items like paper cartons, pouches, milk, wine, and liquor.

Consumers can redeem containers at stores selling the deposited beverages, including those equipped with self-service reverse vending machines (RVMs). In (adjacent) to Westport, the two locations to redeem bottles & cans are Stop & Shop and Stew Leonards.

Don’t want to sort and individually insert each item? Been collecting with many to redeem? Simple Bottle Return opened in Bridgeport this past November. They allow you to deposit entire bags full of redeemables, and they do all the work for you! There are also a number of other large-scale redemption collection sites around Connecticut, including EyeRecycle in Danbury, which offers mobile programs for businesses and schools.

Image courtesy of Jose Luis Martinez, CT DEEP

Connecticut’s Bottle Bill laws contribute to the creation of a circular economy by ensuring that valuable resources within these containers are efficiently recycled and reused. This conserves raw materials and reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing new containers from scratch.

Beyond its environmental benefits, this legislation fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness regarding waste management. It educates individuals about the importance of recycling and the impact of their actions on the environment. Ultimately, the value of Bottle Bill legislation extends far beyond the mere refund on containers—it embodies a commitment to sustainability, conservation, and a cleaner future for generations to come.

Have More Questions? Visit the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.