Nickel Per Nip Program Generates $8K For Haddam

HADDAM, CT — Connecticut’s “nickel-per-nip” environmental stewardship program has generated over $4.2 million for Connecticut cities and towns in its first full year, according to a statement from Three Tiers for Connecticut. A law passed last year charges 5 cents for each sale of a 50-ml “nip” container of liquor at the point of sale.

Twice a year each municipality receives 5 cents for each nip sold within its borders in the previous six months. This week, checks amounting to $2.3 million are being sent to Connecticut municipalities representing nip sales from April 1 to Sept. 30.

Haddam received $8,713.42 for 136,078 nip bottles sold during that period, according to the statement. In the last year, Haddam received $15,517.32.

The program is designed to help cities and towns provide for the collection and proper disposal of 50 ml “nip” bottles. Three Tiers for Connecticut, a group that spearheaded the effort, is a not-for-profit organization representing all of the major wine and spirits wholesalers in Connecticut.

“This program has over-performed our expectations in its first year, and we’re thrilled about it,” Lawrence F. Cafero, Jr., president and treasurer of Three Tiers for Connecticut, said in a statement. “Now, as intended, that money generated by the environmental fees is in the hands of our cities and towns, many of which are using those dollars to keep their roadsides, waterways and public spaces litter-free.”

Connecticut municipalities have been using the funding for a number of litter-reduction efforts. Some towns have used the funding to support recycling coordinator positions, while others have partnered with local non-profit organizations on litter cleanups, according to the statement.