The bill amends Section 23-19-13 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-19, which governs the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, to enhance municipal involvement in solid waste management. Key insertions include a requirement that any person or municipality managing solid waste must use facilities designated by the corporation, and municipalities are prohibited from actions that could hinder the corporation's obligations to bondholders. Municipalities are allowed to contract with the corporation or licensed private facilities for waste disposal, with contracts not exceeding fifty years. Additionally, municipalities must initiate recycling programs within one year of their resource recovery facility becoming operational and are required to develop a plan to recycle 35% of their solid waste and divert 50% starting July 1, 2012.

The bill also proposes an increase in the tipping fee from $3.00 to $6.00 per vehicle, although vehicles transporting municipal solid waste remain exempt from this fee. It changes the payment schedule for fees collected by the corporation to an annual basis, rather than biannual. The existing structure for calculating the annual state subsidy for municipal solid waste disposal is preserved, allowing the corporation to adjust fees based on operational costs. Furthermore, any excess costs due to insufficient appropriations may result in increased fees for users, while suspending the municipal tipping fee for that fiscal year. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
1050: 23-19-13