Westport Nets Thousands Of Dollars In Latest State Nip Bottle Payouts

WESTPORT, CT — A program that collects a 5-cent fee on small liquor bottles has generated more than $22 million for municipalities across Connecticut since its launch in 2021, according to the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of Connecticut.

The so-called "Nickel per Nip" environmental fee produced $2.4 million for Connecticut cities and towns during the most recent reporting period, covering October 2025 through March 2026, the group said.

In Westport, the town received $12,693.15 from 253,863 bottles sold.

Under the program, municipalities receive 5 cents for each miniature bottle, or "nip," sold within their borders. The funds are used for environmental initiatives such as community cleanups, street sweeper purchases, composting programs and recycling staff.

"Since this program began more than four years ago, every six month reporting period has demonstrated that it works," said Larry Cafero, the organization’s executive director and general counsel, in a statement. "Cities and towns are getting much-needed revenue for environmental protection purposes, and they’re putting the money to good use. The collection and distribution of the money is a success, but the true measure of success is how each municipality chooses to spend the money received."

Cafero said the effectiveness of the program is reflected not only in the collection and distribution of funds, but also in how municipalities choose to spend them.

He also credited state lawmakers and local officials for establishing the initiative and supporting its implementation.

"We remain grateful to our partners in the legislature and municipal government for creating this program and putting the funds to good use," Cafero said. "We look forward to continued success with the Nickel per Nip program."