This bill addresses the environmental challenges in Rhode Island related to textile waste, particularly as the state's only landfill is projected to reach capacity by 2046. It introduces a new chapter, Chapter 18.19, titled "Textile Recycling," which includes definitions related to textile recycling, such as the roles of the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and the Department of Environmental Management. The bill defines textiles and specifies exclusions for contaminated items.

The bill mandates the creation of a public education outreach program by the Department, in collaboration with the Corporation, to educate residential households and commercial businesses on the value of and proper methods to recycle textiles. The Department and the Corporation are also required to create an online directory and may establish a recycling assistance program to guide residents, businesses, and municipalities in reducing textile waste.

Beginning January 1, 2028, all private entities involved in textile collection will be required to provide annual reports to the Department on the estimated total tonnage of textiles collected. The Department will include this data in reports generated alongside municipal textile data. Starting January 1, 2029, the Department may use this data to establish benchmark goals for the tonnage of municipal and commercial textiles collected, which may be increased annually at the Department's discretion.

Furthermore, the Department will be responsible for formulating and promulgating rules and regulations related to textile waste collection and recycling, with a deadline for public reporting of these regulations set for June 1, 2026. The act will take effect upon passage.