This bill prohibits the construction, expansion, or operation of pyrolysis facilities within one mile of any public or private K-12 school. It defines pyrolysis facilities as sites that thermally break down solid waste like plastics to produce fuel or oil in an oxygen-limited environment. To enforce this rule, the state's environmental management department cannot issue permits for such facilities that do not meet the distance requirement, and the restriction cannot be waived by any authority. The law takes effect upon passage and applies to all schools approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education.
HB 8499 repeals the existing state laws that established a program for collecting and recycling unused household paint. This change directly affects paint manufacturers, retailers, and consumers by removing the legal requirement for a statewide paint stewardship system. The bill eliminates provisions that previously mandated producers to fund a nonprofit organization responsible for managing paint disposal and recycling. Consequently, the specific rules for how unused paint must be collected, transported, and processed are no longer in effect.
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.
HB 8498 repeals Rhode Island's existing laws that established a system for the responsible recycling, reuse, and disposal of mattresses. This bill directly affects mattress producers, retailers, and local municipalities by removing the legal framework that previously required them to participate in a statewide stewardship program. Under the old rules, companies were expected to pay fees into a council designed to manage discarded mattresses in an environmentally sound way. By eliminating these regulations entirely, the bill allows the state to stop enforcing these specific collection and recycling requirements.
Prohibits the use of black plastic takeout containers for use to take prepared foods and drinks from restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments.
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.
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.
Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers.
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.
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.
