Environment (Recycling) in Rhode Island

passed · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HR 8516: HOUSE RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS “EYEGLASS RECYCLING MONTH” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates May 2026 as 'Eyeglass Recycling Month' in Rhode Island to promote awareness of vision health and environmental responsibility. It encourages residents to donate used eyeglasses to local Lions Clubs and community collection sites, which then contribute to a global initiative that recycles usable frames for distribution to underserved populations worldwide. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies to the Rhode Island Lions Sight Foundation and Lions Clubs International.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

died · Rhode Island · House May 19, 2026

HB 8415: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT

Prohibits the use of black plastic takeout containers for use to take prepared foods and drinks from restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2794: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BEVERAGE CONTAINERS RECYCLING ACT

SB 2794 establishes the Beverage Container Recycling Act in Rhode Island to create a new system for recycling beverage containers. The bill defines key terms such as "covered beverage container," "producer," and "consumer" to clarify who is responsible for recycling efforts and which products are included in the program. It sets up a refund program where consumers can return empty containers at designated sites to receive refunds, with provisions for both full-service redemption sites and express redemption sites that use virtual accounts. The legislation also outlines rules for fraud prevention, requires independent audits, and includes definitions for environmental justice areas and de minimis exemptions for small businesses.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Environmental Justice Recycling

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2802: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY CORPORATION

This bill prohibits the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation from using artificial turf to cover compacted solid waste at sanitary landfills, with an exemption for turf already installed before July 1, 2026. It also bans the use of organic materials like wood, paper, and yard waste for landfill cover unless approved as a final layer, and establishes a pilot program to test grass or plant mixes with pollinators as an alternative cover material. The Resource Recovery Corporation must submit annual reports on its activities and include data on artificial turf disposal volumes, while also reporting on the pilot program results by January 1, 2028. Facilities that violate the artificial turf prohibition face fines between $2,500 and $5,000 paid to the local city or town.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 3012: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PACKAGING AND PAPER ACT

Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2796: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in RI to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal to the department of environmental management.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2793: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES -- LEAD BY EXAMPLE ACT

Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Recycling Electric Vehicles

died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 24, 2026

SB 2773: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- CONSUMER-PROVIDED TAKEOUT CONTAINERS

This bill would allow restaurants and other food service establishments in Rhode Island to accept reusable containers brought by customers for filling or refilling with takeout food and drinks. The legislation defines consumer-provided containers as durable, cleanable receptacles that are structurally sound and free from contamination, and it requires the Department of Health to update food safety rules by July 2027 to permit this practice. The bill also mandates that the department create and publish guidance materials for businesses on inspecting containers, preventing cross-contamination, and following safe operational procedures. Importantly, the law does not require establishments to accept or fill customer-provided containers, leaving that decision to individual businesses.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 26, 2026

HR 7533: HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THAT A RECYCLING/WASTE AUDIT BE CONDUCTED ON THE RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE WHICH PROVIDES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A WASTE REDUCTION STRATEGY

HR 7533 is a House Resolution requesting a waste audit at the Rhode Island State House to analyze what materials (like paper, plastic, and food) are discarded, recycled, or composted. It directs the State House operations team to develop a waste reduction strategy based on the audit findings and to investigate installing water filling stations (to reduce plastic bottles) and electric car chargers (to meet climate goals). The resolution requires a report on these recommendations by January 5, 2027, to the House. This affects only the State House’s internal operations, not broader public policy.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

died · Rhode Island · House Feb 26, 2026

HB 7620: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PLASTIC WASTE CONVERSION FACILITY ACT

HB 7620 prohibits the construction and operation of new plastic waste conversion facilities in Rhode Island. The bill bans permits for facilities that use "regulated technologies" (including gasification, pyrolysis, and chemical processes) to convert plastic waste into fuels, chemical feedstocks, or other products. It directly affects developers seeking to build such facilities and aims to prevent environmental and health risks linked to toxic emissions and hazardous waste. The law defines these facilities broadly to include "advanced recycling" or "molecular recycling" operations, regardless of how they are marketed.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Hazardous Materials Recycling

All environment bills