The bill amends Section 23-18.9-1 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-18.9 entitled "Refuse Disposal" to include new provisions regarding the responsibilities of cities and towns for refuse disposal. The amendment specifies that each city and town must provide for the disposal of all refuse within its boundaries, excluding refuse from state or federal sources, hazardous waste, and refuse not accepted by the Rhode Island resource recovery corporation. A significant insertion to the law is the prohibition of municipalities from charging residents or businesses within their jurisdiction any recycling fees. Additionally, the bill outlines that cities and towns must separate solid waste into recyclable and non-recyclable components before disposal at any state-owned facility.

The bill also details the compliance requirements for cities and towns during the first three years after entering the recycling program, setting a minimum recycling rate of 35% and a diversion rate of 50% for solid waste. It outlines the responsibilities of the governing bodies of cities and towns, including adopting regulations for refuse collection and haulage licensing, contracting for refuse disposal, and adopting regulations for waste separation. The Rhode Island resource recovery corporation is tasked with administering financial assistance and providing technical assistance to cities and towns. The act would take effect upon passage, and it explicitly states that municipalities are not permitted to charge any recycling fees.

Statutes affected:
5450: 23-18.9-1