Lawmakers and environmentalists aim to increase bottle deposit fee from five cents to ten cents For many people, recycling bottles and cans is their way of getting some extra cash on the side. Author: Carmen Chau Updated: 4:52 PM EDT April 5, 2021 HARTFORD, Conn. — For residents who routinely deposit bottles at their nearest supermarket, a new change could affect them. Lawmakers are looking to increase the deposit free from five cents to ten cents. Since the late 70s, people have been paying five cents for bottles and cans but with more types of drinks on the shelves now, lawmakers are hoping to modernize the language in the bill.