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Rhode IslandS24382026 Regular SessionSenate

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

Sponsored By: Bridget Valverde (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Vendors must recycle food waste

Schools must use food‑service vendors that recycle organic waste at an authorized composting or anaerobic digestion facility. A vendor that does not comply cannot bid on new school food‑service contracts until it fixes the issue.

Vendors must report donations or pay

Vendors that donate unserved food must file a yearly report to the education department. The report lists how much was donated and any tax deductions or credits used, and the state publishes it. If a vendor fails to report, the law fines $1,000 per violation and bars the vendor from future school food‑service bids.

Stronger organics recycling in schools

From January 1, 2023 through January 1, 2029, a school that generates at least 30 tons of organic waste a year and is within 15 miles of an authorized facility with capacity must recycle that waste. Beginning January 1, 2029, every educational entity must recycle organic waste at an authorized facility. After 2029, the tonnage and 15‑mile limits no longer apply.

Schools favor 10% Rhode Island food

State policy tells school food‑service RFPs and IFBs to encourage vendors that buy at least 10% of products from Rhode Island‑based food companies. This applies to the state, the education department, and local schools.

School sharing tables and food donations

Schools may run Department of Health–approved sharing tables during meal times. Only safe, unopened or properly wrapped items, and chilled perishables like milk at 41°F or below, are allowed. Unclaimed items can be donated to food banks or nonprofits. School food contracts must require vendors to donate unserved, safe food to local food banks, following state health guidance. Donors and food banks are protected from lawsuits unless there is gross negligence or intentional harm.

Regular school waste audits and lessons

Beginning January 1, 2027, schools must report waste‑audit results to the education department every three years, and the state posts the results online. The Commissioner issues rules and gives schools a yearly notice about waste and disposal policies, with rules due by January 1, 2027. Every public school student gets an annual lesson on litter, reducing and reusing, and recycling. The law defines “educational entity” to include all K–12 public, private, charter, and career and technical schools and school districts.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bridget Valverde

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Alana M. DiMario

    Democratic • Senate

  • Louis P. DiPalma

    Democratic • Senate

  • Dawn Euer

    Democratic • Senate

  • Victoria Gu

    Democratic • Senate

  • Meghan E. Kallman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Pamela J. Lauria

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tiara T. Mack

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mark P. McKenney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Lammis J. Vargas

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 100 • No: 8

House vote • 6/10/2026

SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING PASSAGE IN CONCURRENCE

Yes: 62 • No: 8

Senate vote • 6/9/2026

EDUCATION -- SCHOOL WASTE RECYCLING AND REFUSE DISPOSAL Passage

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor — Chapter 129

    6/18/2026Governor

  2. Transmitted to Governor

    6/16/2026Governor

  3. House passed Sub A in concurrence

    6/10/2026House

  4. Placed on House Calendar (06/10/2026)

    6/9/2026House

  5. Senate passed Sub A

    6/9/2026Senate

  6. Placed on Senate Calendar (06/09/2026)

    6/4/2026Senate

  7. Committee recommends passage of Sub A

    6/2/2026

  8. Proposed Substitute

    6/1/2026

  9. Scheduled for consideration (06/02/2026)

    5/29/2026

  10. Committee recommended measure be held for further study

    4/15/2026

  11. Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/15/2026)

    4/10/2026

  12. Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

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