Danbury Received $44K From ‘Nickel Per Nip’ Fee

DANBURY, CT — Connecticut’s “nickel per nip” environmental fee has generated more than $22 million for cities and towns statewide since launching in 2021, according to program officials.

The program, which collects a 5-cent fee on miniature liquor bottles, brought in about $2.4 million between October 2025 and March 2026, officials said.

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Danbury received approximately $44,469 during that period, based on figures released by the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of Connecticut.

Under the program, municipalities receive funding based on the number of nip bottles sold within their borders.

Officials said the money is used for environmental efforts such as community cleanups, street sweeping, recycling programs and composting initiatives.

“Since this program began more than four years ago, every six month reporting period has demonstrated that it works," said Larry Cafero, executive director of the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of Connecticut. “Cities and towns are getting much-needed revenue for environmental protection purposes.”

The fee has been in place since October 2021 and distributes funds to 170 cities and towns in the state.