Unclaimed can deposits total millions

Mass. (WWLP) - Millions of unclaimed bottle and can deposits leave millions of dollars to beer and soda distributors in Connecticut. Now, Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell is asking that the money to go to state government. It could help close the $300 million budget deficit.

In Massachusetts the money does go to the government.

Massachusetts DEP Press Secretary Ed Coletta told 22News that the unclaimed bottle deposits go to the state's General Fund. In Fiscal year 2008 that fund totaled $38.7 million.

A portion of the General Fund at one time contributed to Massachusetts recycling efforts. Under Governor Romney it was redirected. In the last two decades, unclaimed bottle deposits have totaled a half billion dollars.