Connecticut’s deposit refund program is getting an upgrade
With bipartisan support, Connecticut has voted to upgrade its deposit law.
Below you can find out what has been updated and why.
Container deposits raise recycling rates.
States with deposit laws typically see beverage container recycling rates 2-4 times higher than states without such laws. But Connecticut’s deposit program is not reaching its potential. As the value of the nickel deposit has fallen, the percentage of deposit containers sold that are redeemed for recycling has fallen from 88% in 2000 to 46% in 2021.
States with higher deposit values have higher recycling rates.
When Oregon raised its deposit value from five to ten cents, its redemption rate rose from 64% in 2016 to 86% in 2019. On January 1, 2024, Connecticut will join Michigan and Oregon by increasing the value of deposits from five to ten cents per container.
Now most beverages will be eligible for a refund.
Previously only beer, soda and water were eligible for a deposit refund in Connecticut. When the law first passed in 1983, sports drinks, energy drinks, kombuchas, and others were not as popular. Starting in 2023, most beverages sold will also be eligible for a deposit refund.
More convenient redemption locations are coming to Connecticut
New legislation has invested more in Connecticut retailers and redemption centers, creating over 330 new locations statewide since 2021 so far.
