The bill amends Chapter 23-18.9 of the General Laws by introducing a new section titled "Commercial solid waste and recycling hours of operation," which permits commercial solid waste and recycling collection activities to occur between 7:00 AM and 3:00 AM, unless local ordinances impose stricter restrictions. It also prohibits the use of mobile waste compaction technology, defined as vehicles equipped with cranes and spiked metal rollers for shredding waste in open-top roll-off dumpsters. Additionally, the bill modifies Section 23-19-13 to emphasize that municipalities must utilize designated systems for solid waste management and outlines the conditions for contracting with the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation.

Moreover, the bill establishes a municipal tipping fee set at 107.5% of the previous fiscal year's fee until the end of the 2009 fiscal year, along with a $1.10 per ton fee for garbage collected by the corporation, which will be allocated to the town of Johnston. A $3.00 tipping fee per vehicle is also introduced, with exemptions for vehicles carrying municipal solid waste. The bill mandates that municipalities initiate recycling programs within one year of their resource recovery facility becoming operational and develop plans to recycle 35% and divert 50% of solid waste by July 1, 2012. The act will take effect upon passage, ensuring compliance with the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
6274: 23-19-13