Rhode IslandH73422026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL .

Sponsored By: Lauren H. Carson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Schools must recycle food waste

From January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2029, schools that generate at least 30 tons of organics a year and are within 15 miles of an authorized facility must recycle those materials. Beginning January 1, 2029, all educational entities must recycle organic waste, regardless of distance. A waiver may apply when RIRRC’s landfill tipping fees are lower than nearby organics-recycling fees.

More school food donations with protections

School food contracts must require vendors to donate unserved nonperishables and safe perishables to local food banks. Donations must follow Department of Health guidance. Donors and food banks are immune from civil lawsuits for good-faith donations, except for gross negligence or intentional harm. In good faith, donors may give nonperishables past labeled shelf life and some perishables they reasonably judge wholesome.

Vendors must report donations or pay

Food vendors must file a yearly report to RIDE showing amounts donated and any tax deductions or credits claimed. RIDE publishes this information online. Vendors who fail to report pay $1,000 per violation and are barred from future school food bids until they comply.

Local buying and vendor recycling rules

Schools and the education department may use only food vendors who recycle organic waste at an authorized composting or anaerobic digestion facility, or another approved method. Bids should encourage at least 10% of purchases from Rhode Island suppliers. Vendors that do not comply cannot bid on new school food contracts until they fix the problem.

Regular school waste audits and transparency

Starting January 1, 2022, every educational entity works with RIRRC on a free waste audit every three years. Audits identify recyclables and compostables and recommend ways to reduce waste. Starting January 1, 2027, schools send audit results to RIDE, and RIDE publishes them online. RIDE must issue rules by January 1, 2027 and notify schools each year. Covered entities include all districts, public and private K–12 schools, charter schools, and career and technical high schools.

School sharing tables for safe food

Schools may set up sharing tables in cafeterias approved by the Department of Health. Allowed items include unopened, shelf-stable packages; wrapped produce with intact peel; and certain cold, prepackaged perishables. Unopened milk must stay at 41°F or below. Unclaimed items may be donated to food banks if the setup follows the Rhode Island Food Code.

Yearly lessons on litter and recycling

RIDE, with RIRRC, provides a yearly lesson on litter prevention, reducing and reusing, and recycling. Every public school uses it to teach all students each year.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lauren H. Carson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Jennifer Boylan
Democratic • House
Julie A. Casimiro
Democratic • House
Terri Cortvriend
Democratic • House
Megan L. Cotter
Democratic • House
Kathleen A. Fogarty
Democratic • House
Michelle E. McGaw
Democratic • House
June Speakman
Democratic • House
Tina L. Spears
Democratic • House
Teresa A. Tanzi
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 60 • No: 9

House vote • 4/14/2026

SCHOOL WASTE AND REFUSE DISPOSAL PASSAGE