Connecticut

Mixed results after three months of CT’s updated bottle redemption program

Published

2 years ago

June 10, 2024

Mixed results after three months of CT’s updated bottle redemption program

A Connecticut law doubled container redemption values as 2024 began, but early data on the returns don’t yet show a clear impact on the state.

Under the updated “bottle bill” law, the deposit and redemption value of certain beverage containers purchased and returned in Connecticut is now 10 cents, instead of five. The over 40-year policy, which was updated on Jan. 1, was originally crafted to help incentivize more recycling and reduce litter.

Chris Nelson, an environmental analyst at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), said the first three months of available data “arguably shows an increase” in the rate of bottle returns, but he had thought even more bottles would have been returned.

Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and New York are among the 10 states with similar “bottle bills.” According to DEEP, states without such policies tend to have lower recycling rates.

Long-term trends show more drink containers are returned in warmer months, he said.

“That’s kind of what I’m expecting. And actually, if for some reason, it’s not a significant jump, I think that will be more surprising to me than if there is one,” Nelson explained.

Nelson said the lower than expected rate of return could have to do with a lag in reporting or the 10 cent deposit taking a little while to take effect in some places. He wants to see the numbers for April through June before drawing any concrete conclusions about policy’s impact on Connecticut.

But especially high returns might indicate cross border fraud where individuals, theoretically, collect bottles from other states and import them into Connecticut to collect a higher reward. This scheme was satirized in a 1996 episode of Seinfeld. A new state law hopes to address that possibility but it’s a rule that would be difficult to enforce, Nelson said.

Only certain empty, clean containers made of metal, plastic or glass are eligible for redemption — such as beer, carbonated drinks, sports drinks, juice and more. Size is also a factor: only drink containers between 150 milliliters and 2.5 liters can be returned.

Beverages like wine, spirits, milk cartons, among others, aren’t eligible. Plastic nip liquor bottles also can’t be redeemed but have a five cent surcharge which goes back to municipalities.

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Connecticut

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut could have patchy slippery road conditions in the coming days

Published

11 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Press Room

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut could have patchy slippery road conditions in the coming days

Travel could be slippery in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.

According to the National Weather Service, a weak storm system passing to our north on Tuesday will bring with it a risk for patchy light freezing drizzle or flurries during the Tuesday pre-dawn hours into the rest of Tuesday morning.

The anticipated spotty coverage of freezing drizzle should minimize impacts, although unpaved roads, sidewalks and elevated bridges could still become slippery.

Snow accumulations, if any, should minimal.

Use caution if traveling Tuesday morning.

Accumulating snow is expected across portions of southern New England Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday evening, however, there is still some uncertainty and accumulations, if, any, should be minimal.

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Connecticut

One male dead following a shooting in New London

Published

23 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Press Room

One male dead following a shooting in New London

One person has died after a shooting in New London on Sunday night.

At around 7:20 p.m., the New London Police Department responded to a call for shots fired on Connecticut Avenue between Prest Street and McDonald Street.

Upon arrival, officers located one adult male with a gunshot wound to his lower extremity and immediately began to provide medical assistance until he was transported to the hospital for treatment.

The male was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival to the hospital.

The identity of the victim has not been released.

The New London Police Department is continuing to investigate the scene, including conducting interviews as a part of their investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting can contact the New London Police Department Detective Division at 860-447-1481.

Anyone can also send an anonymous tip to the New London Tips 411 system by texting NLPDTip, plus the information to Tip411 (847411).

Further details will be provided as the investigation continues.

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Connecticut

Man shot and killed in New London

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

Press Room

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WFSB) – A man was shot and killed on Sunday evening in New London, according to police.

The identity of the victim has not been released.

Crews responded to reports of shots fired around 7:19 p.m. on Connecticut Avenue between Prest Street and McDonald Street.

The road remained closed for the investigation.

Officers found the victim with a gunshot wound to his lower extremity. He was brought to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police have also not said if they’ve identified a suspect.

The New London Police Department’s Detective Division has taken over the investigation, which remains active and ongoing. Detectives are processing the scene and conducting interviews.

Police said they are committed to ensuring community safety and will dedicate all necessary resources to the investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the New London Police Department Detective Division at 860-447-1481. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system by texting NLPDTip plus the information to Tip411 (847411).

Police said further information will be released as the investigation progresses.

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