Here's How Much Shelton, Derby Received From 'Nickel-Per-Nip' Since April 2025

SHELTON-DERBY, CT — Connecticut’s "nickel-per-nip" environmental fee program generated over $2.49 million around the state from April 1 through Sept. 30, 2025, including $21,340.70 in Shelton and $12,313.15 in Derby, according to a report from the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut.

The latest reporting period represents an increase of $45,000 over the same period last year.

According to the data, 426,814 nips were sold in Shelton and 246,263 were sold in Derby from April 1 through Sept. 30, 2025.

Funding from the program 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.

The program recently passed its four-year anniversary on Oct. 1, and it has now generated approximately $19 million for cities and towns across Connecticut, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut said in a news release.

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.

"After four years in action, it's never been clearer that this program is a resounding success for Connecticut," Larry Cafero, the executive director and general counsel of the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers, said in a news release. "I applaud the legislature for their innovative thinking here, and I look forward to watching this continue to benefit our great state."

Includes prior reporting by Richard Kaufman, Patch Staff