The bill amends several sections of the General Laws in Chapter 16-111, titled "School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal," to enhance waste management practices in educational entities across Rhode Island. Key provisions include the requirement for educational entities to conduct waste audits every three years, starting January 1, 2026, and to report the results to the Rhode Island Department of Education, which will publish the results on its website.

The bill mandates that food service vendors provide an annual report detailing the amount of unserved nonperishable or unspoiled perishable food donated, along with information on any tax deductions or credits utilized due to these donations. Non-compliance will result in a fine of $1,000 per violation and disqualification from future food service contracts with educational entities until compliance is met.

Additionally, the bill introduces "sharing tables" in school cafeterias, where students can place and take appropriate food items, thereby reducing waste and addressing food insecurity. It allows for the donation of uneaten food to food banks or nonprofit organizations.

The legislation emphasizes the requirement for educational entities to source food from vendors who recycle organic waste and establishes a timeline for compliance with organic waste recycling, mandating that by January 1, 2028, all organic waste generated must be recycled at authorized facilities.

The commissioner is directed to promulgate rules and regulations to implement these changes by January 1, 2026. The bill aims to promote recycling, reduce food waste, and enhance food donation practices within schools, fostering a more sustainable approach to waste management in the education sector.

Statutes affected:
5422: 23-18.9-17, 16-22-35
5422  SUB A: 23-18.9-17, 16-22-35
5422  SUB A as amended: 23-18.9-17, 16-22-35