Bill > H5293

This bill creates a public education program to promote textile recycling in Rhode Island, addressing the state's landfill capacity challenges by raising awareness about proper textile disposal and reuse. The legislation mandates that the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) collaborate with the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation to develop an educational outreach program targeting residential households and commercial businesses. The program will include an online directory and potentially a recycling assistance program to help guide residents and businesses in reducing textile waste. Starting January 1, 2028, private entities involved in textile collection will be required to submit annual reports on the total tonnage of textiles collected, which the DEM will use to establish benchmark goals for textile collection. The bill defines textiles as clothing, footwear, bedding, towels, curtains, and similar fabric products, excluding those contaminated with hazardous substances. By June 1, 2026, the DEM must develop and publish regulations related to textile waste collection and recycling, with the authority to enforce these regulations and levy potential fines. The underlying motivation is to divert textiles from the state's landfill, which is projected to reach capacity by 2046, and promote more sustainable waste management practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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