Redemption Center in Wallingford Closes Amid New Coca-Cola Requirements

WALLINGFORD, CT — A Wallingford redemption center has closed its doors after 16 years in business in the wake of new requirements imposed by the Coca-Cola Company.

Coca-Cola recently announced that it would require three redemption centers in the state to sort and bag its company’s bottles and cans by hand after it identified “suspicious activity” on the machines at the facilities, the Meriden Record-Journal previously reported.

The owners of M&M Redemption Center, located on Church Street in Wallingford, announced last week on Facebook that it was closing as a result of the Coca-Cola’s new requirements.

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One of the other facilities targeted by Coca-Cola, Green Planet Redemption Center in Bristol, also announced that it was closing based on the impact of the new changes imposed by Coca-Cola.

In light of the businesses closing, state officials plan to discuss the issue with Coca-Cola, according to the Meriden Record-Journal.

Mike Pianka, who owns M&M Redemption Center with his wife Amanda, criticized Coca-Cola for using the term “suspicious activity.”

“When asked about the suspicious activity, Coca-Cola issued these statements. ‘Internal evaluation of the data is ongoing’ and ‘source of activity is inconclusive,’" Pianka wrote on Facebook. “The people that own the machines stand by the fact that there wasn't anything suspicious going on. They monitor the machines and would cancel my contract if there was any suspicious activity. Keep in mind there are 3 redemption centers that were accused of this activity. Do you think we all were doing something suspicious even though we are all separate entities? I also have video monitors and either my wife or I are there 100 % of the time. The employee insinuation is NOT a possibility. This I know for sure.”

The Piankas announced they were closing the facility on Feb. 13. Read their Facebook message to customers below:

To Our Customers,

Due to the recent events, Coca-Cola pulling their products from our machines, and trying to operate a business on a 36 year old handling fee, M & M Redemption Center will be closing its doors today.

It is with a heavy heart we say good-bye. To our regulars, our #1 girl Melanie, Emilio, Donna, all the others too numerous to name.....we thank you for your business and continued support over the years. Many, many of you became good friends...we will miss you all. To Mayor Dickinson and St. Rep. Mary Mushinsky...Thank you for your support for us with the handling fee. We didn't get the increase, but did give it a good try.

Fond farewells to all....

Mike & Amanda

Read more about state officials plan to talk with Coca-Cola at the Meriden Record-Journal here.

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