Here's How Much Groton Received From 'Nickel-Per-Nip' Since October

GROTON, CT — Connecticut’s "nickel-per-nip" environmental fee program generated $2.44 million around the state from Oct. 1, 2024 through March 1, 2025, including $43,174 in Groton, according to a report from the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut.

Under a law passed in 2021, a 5-cent surcharge is placed on the sale of each 50 ml "nip" container of alcohol at the point of sale. Every April and October, each municipality receives 5 cents for each nip sold within its borders during the preceding six months.

According to the data, 863,499 nips were sold in Groton from Oct. 1, 2024 through March 1, 2025.

The program was designed to help cities and towns provide for the collection and proper disposal of nips to combat littering.

Larry Cafero, the executive director and general counsel of the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers, announced Monday that nearly $16 million has been disbursed to Connecticut’s towns and cities since the program’s inception in 2021.

“The Nickel per Nip program has continued to be a tremendous success for Connecticut’s towns and cities and our state as a whole,” Cafero said in a news release. “By directly benefiting communities and significantly reducing litter and enhancing recycling efforts, the program has shown what impact smart, thoughtful legislation can have. We are grateful to the legislature for protecting and supporting this initiative, ensuring its continued positive impact across Connecticut.”