Increase in customers forces Waterbury redemption center to close temporarily

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Redemption centers in the Waterbury area have seen more customers since the state bottle bill doubled returns from 5 to 10 cents in January, causing one facility to close temporarily.

John Vieira said he relies on returning bottles and cans since he was forced to retire.

“I got leukemia, and now I’ve got prostate cancer, and I’m going through all that,” he said. “So, trying to help for the copays and all that.”

Vieira arrived Tuesday at EyeRecycle with five full bags, but the redemption center in Waterbury was closed.

“I’m shocked! I don’t know what I’m going to do now!”

Mike Stallings owns the EyeRecycle warehouse, where cans and bottles keep them busy. He said he had to temporarily close the 12,000-square-foot location about three weeks ago because they’re at capacity since the state’s bottle bill doubled returns from 5 to 10 cents per container.

“January hit, and it was like madness,” Stallings said. “February hit, and it was worse and hasn’t stopped since.”

At Fran’s Cans & Bart’s Bottles in Watertown, owner Francis Bartolomeo said it’s a domino effect.

“When I heard the guy was closed in Waterbury, I knew eventually, I may have to do the same thing because there’s no room,” Bartolomeo said. “It’s scary. It really is.”

They’re getting at least 60,000 bottles and cans daily with a line out the door.

Jose Maldonado said he has five children and started collecting his cans once the payouts doubled. On Tuesday, he got back $63.

“Ten cents change does help out a lot,” Maldonado said. “Actually, before, I would give it away.”

Stallings said he’s cleaning out his warehouse and reopening on June 4 to help more folks like Vieira.

“I’m on a fixed income and all that, you know, and it helps a lot,” Vieira said.

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