The bill proposes the addition of Chapter 19.19 to Title 23 of the General Laws, titled "The Statewide Implementation Analysis for a Beverage Container Redemption, Packaging, and Recycling Plan." It mandates the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in collaboration with the Department of Administration and the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC), to conduct a comprehensive statewide needs assessment. This assessment will evaluate the necessary infrastructure, policies, and programmatic requirements to support a statewide beverage container redemption and recycling plan, focusing on various materials including aluminum, glass, and plastic containers.

The assessment must be completed by October 29, 2025, and will include a baseline analysis of solid waste and recycling, infrastructure evaluations, environmental considerations, economic impacts, and recommendations for program design. Specific components of the assessment include a characterization of the solid waste stream, an evaluation of existing collection and processing infrastructure, an assessment of public outreach and participation, and a review of successful program designs in peer states.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Rhode Island Redemption and Recycling Advisory Council to provide guidance, review preliminary findings, and make recommendations throughout the assessment process. This council will consist of representatives from public works departments, packaging producers, materials recovery facilities, composting facilities, reuse or refill systems operators, and academic experts.

The DEM is required to hold at least one public hearing to gather input on the draft implementation analysis before finalizing it. An interim status report is due by April 1, 2026, with a final report, including findings and recommendations, to be submitted by December 1, 2026. The act will take effect upon passage.