The bill amends several sections of the General Laws in Chapter 16-111, which pertains to "School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal." Key provisions include the introduction of definitions for terms such as "educational entity" and "sharing table," which establishes designated locations in school cafeterias for students and staff to place unopened and safe food items for redistribution. The bill mandates that educational entities conduct waste audits every three years, starting January 1, 2027, and report the results to the Commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Education, who will publish the results on the department's website.

Additionally, it requires food service vendors to provide an annual report detailing the amount of unserved nonperishable or unspoiled perishable food donated and any tax deductions or credits utilized due to these donations. The bill emphasizes the need for educational entities to implement waste reduction strategies and ensures that organic waste is recycled at authorized facilities, with a ban on organic waste effective from January 1, 2023, until January 1, 2029, and a requirement for recycling thereafter.

The legislation modifies existing policies to require, rather than merely encourage, the use of local food vendors and the recycling of organic waste. It also introduces a new section on "share tables" to minimize food waste and combat food insecurity, allowing schools to provide and donate excess food. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance waste management practices in schools, promote food donations, and increase awareness of recycling and litter prevention among students.

Statutes affected:
7342: 23-18.9-17, 16-22-35
7342  SUB A: 23-18.9-17, 16-22-35