AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- COMPOSTING AND ORGANIC WASTE DIVERSION

SB 104 establishes a permanent Compost Fund funded by a $2-per-ton surcharge on solid waste disposal in Rhode Island. This surcharge, collected quarterly from waste haulers and landfill operators, will support grants for projects that reduce landfill use - such as composting programs, food rescue initiatives, and shell recovery. The bill directly affects waste disposal companies (who pay the surcharge) and will fund communities and organizations developing composting infrastructure, organic waste diversion, and soil health projects. It aims to address Rhode Island's landfill capacity concerns (projected to fill by 2043) while supporting climate and environmental goals outlined in the state's 2021 Climate Act.