Starting January 1, Connecticut will increase the deposit on returnable cans and bottles from 5 to 10 cents, covering a range of beverages but excluding meal replacement drinks, milk, and wine. This move aims to enhance recycling efforts and includes expanding return locations to include chain pharmacies and big box stores with reverse vending machines. Priyal Garala of MT Bottle Return and supporter Geri Coleman anticipate this will incentivize recycling and offer financial benefits. Although the increase may seem small, it’s expected to significantly aid charities like Step by Step, which relies on collecting returnables for funding. Overall, this new legislation supports environmental conservation and aids community initiatives.