Connecticut
Now worth a dime, bottles and cans pile up at Connecticut redemption centers
WATERTOWN — The line outside Fran’s Cans and Bart’s Bottles had already grown to roughly a dozen customers by the time doors to the business opened at 10 a.m. Friday, each waiting patiently with garbage bags filled to the brim with an assortment of water bottles, juice containers, and the ubiquitous beer and soda cans.
Inside the warehouse, the morning rush produced a flurry of activity as workers began counting and sorting the haul — more than 11,000 bottles and cans in just the first half hour of business.
“It’s been like this all week,” said owner Francis Bartolomeo, before rattling off sums that he said were double his winter average. “Tuesday was 55,000, Wednesday 44,000, (Thursday) was 38,000.”
Beginning on Jan. 1, the reward for turning in eligible bottles and cans doubled from 5 cents to 10 cents, as part of the final phase of a three-year overhaul of the state’s “Bottle Bill.”
The revisions, which were the result of legislation passed in 2021, are part of an effort to bolster Connecticut’s stagnant rate of returns on eligible bottles and cans, while also updating the decades-old program to include more modern products like kombucha, iced teas, sports drinks and certain hard seltzers.
To do so, lawmakers crafted a series of amendments to the Byzantine system for collecting deposits from wholesalers, paying retailers and redemption centers to collect the empties and finally returning unclaimed deposits — or escheats — to the wholesalers and the state’s general fund. The process proved so complicated that lawmakers twice had to come back to agree on fixes to the law, while an entire website was created to help residents understand the changes.
For many, however, the payoff came this month in the form of the one-time chance to profit off of bottles and cans that had been purchased last year with the lower, 5-cent deposit.
“I figure we’re paying for the bottles, they might as well give us some type of tip,” said Joann Mattocks of Waterbury, as she dropped off a bag filled with some 500 bottles that had piled up at her home for the last several months, in anticipation of the switch.
For that many bottles, the value of waiting was worth as much as $25. Mattocks said she has several more similar-sized bags stored at home, but that she can only carry one or two at a time.
At the Central Connecticut Redemption Center in New Britain, owner Shahil Kantesaria said there appeared to be “quite a bit of hoarding” by customers during the final months of 2023. The resulting tide of post-New Year’s returns, he said, brought his business between 200,000 to 300,000 containers in just a few days — two to three times his weekly average.
“We’ll see if this holds,” said Kantesaria. “We’re wondering if this is the new normal.”
In order to prepare for the switch, lawmakers increased the handling fee for businesses to accept returns, while the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection invested $1.6 million in improvements at redemption centers to help meet the expected demand.
The result, according to Bartolomeo and Kantesaria, has been a relatively smooth — albeit busy — transition to the new 10-cent return. For grocers and retailers, which represent the other segment of the collection network, the atmosphere at the start of the New Year has been “busy, but not overrun,” said Wayne Pesce, the president of the Connecticut Food Association, and trade association.
Most larger retail chains in Connecticut — such as Wal-Mart and Stop & Shop — are now required to have at least two reverse vending machines for customers to return empty containers sold at their stores. Those businesses were also allowed to begin limiting returns to no more than 240 bottles and cans at a time starting on Jan. 1, which Pesce said he has advised most stores to do.
“This isn’t what they want to do for a living, they’re not in the recycling business,” Pesce said.
Kantesaria, who has been in the business for 21 years, said the sudden influx in returns this week was still not enough to top the piles of cans that redemption centers handled during the pandemic — a boom period for returns that he attributed to increased consumption driven by stimulus checks.
Connecticut is now one of three states, along with Michigan and Oregon, that offers a 10-cent redemption value for bottles and cans. The seven other states that have passed bottle bills each offer a 5-cent return. (Some states offer higher returns on larger-sized liquor and wine bottles, which are not covered under Connecticut’s Bottle Bill).
Still, Bartolomeo said that he does not anticipate many customers driving in from other states such as New York and Massachusetts to take advantage of the additional windfall.
“If you came down with a box truck, maybe,” it would be worth the trip, he said. “It’s too far of a drive.”
Over time, Bartolomeo said the biggest beneficiaries of the increased deposit will be individual “pickers” and charitable groups that collect the containers that others have paid the deposit on, turning them in for a profit.
One such group, the Morris Cares food bank, collects several thousand bottles and cans a month, cashing them in for funds to purchase bread, canned food and other staples to distribute to those in need, said Vincent Aiello, a volunteer for the group.
“It helps us quite a bit … it doubles our money really,” Aiello said of the recent change.
On Friday morning, Aiello arrived at Fran’s Cans and Bart’s Bottles with several bags filled with 600 bottles, enough for a $60 redemption. As he left, Aiello arranged to come by later and drop off another batch of 1,500 containers over the weekend.
A pile of such size would be no problem, Bartolomeo said. He was already expecting a local Boy Scout troop to come by with an even bigger haul — 30,000 bottles and cans — that they had been collecting and saving up for months.
Providing space for people who may not have a place to celebrate this Christmas. That’s what a Thai restaurant in Canton offered to the community.
It feels a lot like Christmas inside Green Papaya restaurant in Canton.
“It’s a wonderful time. We like to trade gifts,” said Net Nunta, the cook at Green Papaya.
For her and her partner Dirk Peirsman, they were trading flavors and hospitality.
“We don’t celebrate at home so we open here so we can see people too,” Nunta said.
Their restaurant was packed for the holiday, not just because they were one of the few places open, but also to offer a sense of community.
“They’re just great. They’ve both been a big part of the community,” said Lynne Kay, of New Hartford
The restaurant put a post on social media offering their space to anyone on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day who may not have a place to celebrate. It’s something they’ve been doing for the last five years.
“I don’t know why the social media blew up on this year. Our sign has been outside always, but the community’s happy,” Peirsman said.
People didn’t even need to eat Thai food as they could bring their own food, but many ate it or at least gave it a try.
“It’s healthy. It tastes good. It seems so clean. Yeah, we love it,” Tommy Skarupa said.
Nunta says this idea started after they came to Connecticut from Belgium to run the restaurant for Nunta’s mother about ten years ago. Both are very far from home and say they wanted to celebrate with the Canton community.
“It’s so lonely you know. Your whole family’s in Thailand and I don’t know anybody so that really hit me,” she said.
This meant welcoming anyone, even those who may be struggling with money around this time. Peirsman says he made sure to take care of at least one person.
“I cannot give you anything off the menu, but we have some catering here. Come in and sit down, eat something for free,” he said.
So far, it’s been a success with customers vowing to make a return trip.
“We love the food. We love the service and love just seeing Dirk and his whole family,” Skarupa said.
UPDATE: A winter storm warning has been issued for Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield counties. A winter weather advisory is in effect for Hartford and Middlesex counties.
No advisories have been issued for New London, Tolland and Windham counties.
The weather service said in an update Thursday afternoon that 4 to 8 inches of snow is forecast for Fairfield County.
Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A total of 5 to 7 inches of snow is forecast for New Haven County but lesser amounts in eastern parts of the county.
“Total snow accumulations between 5 and 7 inches,” the weather service said concerning New Haven County. “The eastern portion of the county may see less snow with accumulations 3 to 5 inches.”
Find out what’s happening in Across Connecticutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Hartford County. “Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches.”
A winter storm warning is in effect for Litchfield County. “Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 8 inches.”
A winter weather advisory is in effect for Middlesex County. “Total snow accumulations between 3 and 5 inches.”
Original story: The weather itself on Christmas will be pleasant with temperatures rising into the 40s under sunny skies but with wind gusts approaching 30 mph at times.
This will all set the stage for an interesting but also complex snowstorm, which is scheduled to begin Friday evening. Folks residing in the western part of the state will see the most snow, possibly up to 7 inches of snow, while residents in the eastern part of the state could see as little as 1 to 3 inches of snow.
Snow could break out Friday afternoon in western parts of the state, while it may not start snowing until Friday night in eastern parts of Connecticut. The snow is forecast to mainly fall during the nighttime and overnight hours and should end by late morning Saturday.
Here is a full breakdown on the forecast for every county in the state via the National Weather Service:
Fairfield County snow details, via the weather service:
A winter storm watch remains in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon. “Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 7 inches possible.” There is a 30 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m. Friday, but the storm really gets going in the evening hours.
New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties snow details, via the weather service:
“A winter storm system will affect the region Friday afternoon through Saturday morning with an accumulating, plowable snow,” the weather service said in a hazardous weather outlook.
There is a 20 percent chance of snow after 1 p.m. in western parts of New Haven County, where 3 to 7 inches of snow may accumulate.
In eastern parts of New Haven County and Middlesex County, 3 to 5 inches of snow is forecast. And in New London County, 2 to 4 inches of snow is forecast. The snow here won’t begin until Friday night.
Hartford County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow. Low around 19. Light northeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. North wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
We are keeping a close eye on a low-pressure system that could bring plowable snow to the region Friday night into Saturday Morning. Uncertainty remains high, as guidance shows significant spread in the systems’ track. The best chances for 3+ inches of snow are in southwest CT. pic.twitter.com/vg1kdaLPS8
— NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) December 25, 2025
Read More:
Tolland County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 9pm. Cloudy, with a low around 17. Calm wind becoming northeast around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 28. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Windham County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday Night: Snow likely, mainly after 10pm. Cloudy, with a low around 18. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Saturday: Snow likely, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 30. Northeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Litchfield County snow details, via the weather service:
Friday: A slight chance of snow after 1pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 24. Wind chill values as low as -1. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night: Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 16. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Saturday: A chance of snow, mainly before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 27. Northeast wind 3 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Sunday and beyond forecast details for Connecticut, via the National Weather Service
Sunday: A chance of rain after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Calm wind becoming southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday Night: A chance of rain and snow before 7pm, then snow likely between 7pm and 1am, then rain after 1am. Low around 27. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Monday: Rain, mainly before 4pm. High near 45. South wind 6 to 11 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night: A chance of rain before 9pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind 10 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. West wind 6 to 8 mph.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 34. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
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MERIDEN, Conn. (WFSB) – Governor Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocols as arctic air moves into the state during the holiday period.
The protocols were set to go into effect Christmas Day at 5 p.m. and remain active until Sunday, Dec. 28. Warming shelters were expected to be open statewide during this period. Residents were told to call 211 to find a shelter near them.
Click HERE for the latest forecast from Channel 3’s meteorologists.
Families brave cold for holiday traditions
Despite the frigid temperatures, families continued holiday traditions at locations like Hubbard Park in Meriden, where visitors bundled up to see the Festival of Silver Lights.
“It’s a yearly thing we do every single year. We’re from the town and we’re local. It’s nice to be out here and see the lights,” said Erwin Ndwiga of Meriden.
His family member Melissa Ndwiga shared her cold weather strategy: “If I’m going to wear a short sleeve shirt, I always wear thermal wear under. A jacket. I usually have three to four layers on. Hat, earmuffs, gloves.”
Safety recommendations during cold snap
State officials recommend several precautions during the freezing stretch:
- Check heating devices to ensure they work properly.
- Limit pets’ time outdoors.
- Check on elderly neighbors and family members, who are most vulnerable during extreme cold.
- Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home due to potential gas, carbon monoxide, and fire hazards.
- Check your vehicle before traveling: tires, lights, brakes, and windshield wipers.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full and carry an emergency kit.
Residents can find a nearby warming shelter by calling 211 or clicking HERE.
Copyright 2025 WFSB. All rights reserved.
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