Bridgeport, CT – Today, a ribbon was cut on a new bottle redemption center at 1100 Boston Ave in Suite 1B. The 68,000 square-foot facility is an expansion from its previous location in Stratford, with the hopes to expand further into the neighboring building. Fred Miers, who is the owner of the facility, touts the facility’s ability to serve an “environmental justice” area, just before the bottle deposit increases to ten cents starting on January 1, 2024. Miers’s facility not only brings an environmental solution to the area he serves, but also allows for second-chance residents to apply for positions within the center.

Miers’ facility has streamlined the process of organizing all bottles and can drop-offs by customers; leaving customers free of the responsibility to sort through their items. The facility also takes all items that are returnable, including iced teas, sports drinks, coffee drinks, malt beverages, hard ciders, and other drinking containers that went into effect in January 2023. Large groups and non-profits are also welcomed to drop off returnable items to raise funds in which large amounts of returnable items are welcomed to be dropped off at a time.

“The return center is a very significant addition to our community as it supports many of the green initiatives we have here in Bridgeport,” stated Mayor Ganim. “We’ve seen many customers visit the facility so far, but we’re excited to spread the word and return funds into the community through the act of recycling. I’m grateful that Fred Miers has chosen to invest in Bridgeport by relocating this incredible bottle and can return center to the Park City.” 

The bottle and can return center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and closed on Sunday. Currently, the center is running a promotion for new customers that rewards them with six cents per bottle until January 2024.