Here's How Much Hamden Received From 'Nickel-Per-Nip' Since April

HAMDEN, CT — Connecticut’s "nickel-per-nip" environmental fee program generated more than $2.4 million around the state from April 1 through Sept. 30, 2024, including $47,723.10 in Hamden, according to a report from the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut.

The latest reporting period represents an increase of $77,000 over the same period last year.

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, 954,462 nips were sold in Hamden from April 1 through Sept. 30, 2024.

The funding is intended for locally driven environmental stewardship programs. Data from the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut shows that some cities and towns have used the funds to support recycling centers and litter-reduction initiatives.

In the three years the program has been in place, more than $13.5 million has been generated for cities and towns throughout Connecticut, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut said in a news release.

"This program is working exactly as was intended when it became law in 2021," said Larry Cafero, the executive director and general counsel of the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers. "The revenue it generates is being used to clean up litter, and it’s even enhanced recycling efforts across the state. In a state where many residents care about the environment, that matters. No matter how you look at it, the program’s been a resounding success."