The bill amends several sections of the General Laws in Chapter 16-111, titled "School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal," to enhance waste management practices in educational entities across Rhode Island. Key provisions include the requirement for educational entities to conduct waste audits every three years, starting January 1, 2027, and to report the results to the Rhode Island Department of Education, which will publish the results on its website. The bill also mandates that food service vendors provide an annual report detailing the amount of unserved nonperishable or unspoiled perishable food donated, with penalties for non-compliance including fines and disqualification from future contracts.

Additionally, it introduces the concept of "sharing tables" in school cafeterias, where students can place and take food items, thereby reducing waste and food insecurity. The bill requires that any request for proposal (RFP) or invitation for bid (IFB) for food service must only use vendors who comply with organic waste recycling provisions, with non-compliant vendors prohibited from participating in future RFPs or IFBs until compliance is met.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of sourcing food from local vendors and requires that educational entities recycle organic waste if they generate a specified amount annually. The commissioner is directed to promulgate rules and regulations to implement these changes by January 1, 2027. The legislation aims to promote recycling, reduce food waste, and enhance food donation practices within schools, ultimately fostering a more sustainable approach to waste management in the education sector.

Statutes affected:
2438: 23-18.9-17, 16-22-35