AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY

HB 5293 creates a public education program to teach Rhode Island residents and businesses how to properly recycle textiles like clothing and linens. It requires private recyclers to submit annual reports on collected textiles starting in 2028, and the environmental department will use this data to set future recycling targets by 2029. The bill also mandates an online directory to help households and businesses find textile recycling options. This law directly affects residents, businesses, and textile recyclers by changing how recycling education is delivered and how collection data is tracked. It takes effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.