The bill establishes a new chapter, CHAPTER 18.19, titled "TEXTILE RECYCLING," within Title 23 of the General Laws of Rhode Island. It includes definitions related to textile recycling, specifically outlining the roles of the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and the Department of Environmental Management, as well as the types of textiles eligible for recycling.

The Department of Environmental Management, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, is mandated to create a public education outreach program aimed at educating residential households and commercial businesses on the value of and proper methods for recycling textiles in the state. Additionally, the department and the corporation are required to create an online directory and may establish a recycling assistance program to guide residents, businesses, and municipalities in reducing textile waste.

Starting January 1, 2028, all private entities involved in textile collection will be required to provide the Department of Environmental Management with annual reports on the estimated total tonnage of textiles collected. This data will be included in reports generated by the department, which may use it to establish benchmark goals for the tonnage of municipal and commercial textiles collected beginning January 1, 2029. These goals may be adjusted annually at the discretion of the department.

Furthermore, the department is responsible for formulating and promulgating rules and regulations related to textile waste collection and recycling. The department must report these regulations to the secretary of state for public availability by June 1, 2026, and will have the authority to enforce these regulations, including the imposition of fines or penalties as established by the department. The act will take effect upon passage.