Rhode Island Weighs Options to Boost Waste Diversion
A draft state needs assessment outlines five paths to raise the state's 13% waste diversion rate, with public comments open until November 16.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Organic Food
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The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management released a draft needs assessment on waste diversion, recommending a range of options to improve it. The state currently diverts 13% of its waste and disposes of an estimated 673,869 tons each year.
Why it matters
Rhode Island is missing out on about $35.5 million gross in lost commodity value, and paper and plastic packaging makes up about 45% of its waste stream. The Central Landfill has roughly 20 years of remaining capacity, giving the state a window to choose a long-term approach.
The draft assessment projects the EPR Plus plan could reach a 47% diversion rate, while a second option tied to the 2025 deposit proposal could reach 33% if fully funded by producers. Final funding responsibility has not been settled, and the report's options remain subject to public comment through November 16.
The players
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
The state agency responsible for environmental regulation and resource protection in Rhode Island, which released the draft assessment.
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp.
The state-created public corporation that operates the Central Landfill and co-prepared the waste diversion report.
American Beverage Association
The national trade group for beverage manufacturers that led opposition to the bottle deposit proposal, arguing it would raise costs for consumers and small businesses.
The details
The draft was prepared by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corp. and the state environmental agency after a last-minute overhaul removed most mentions of a bottle bill or EPR proposal from the 2025 legislation. The study bill directed RIDEM and RIRRC to work with an independent third party on the final report.
Timeline
2025: State lawmakers proposed a 10-cent deposit bill on certain beverage containers.
November 4, 2026: Draft needs assessment published.
November 16, 2026: Public comment period on the draft closes.
December 1, 2026: Final assessment expected to go to state lawmakers.
Season Trajectory
The draft assessment follows the 2025 beverage deposit proposal, which was stripped down to a needs study after industry opposition. Its five options now set the baseline for whether Rhode Island pursues producer responsibility or deposit-based recycling next.
Residents and food businesses may eventually see new packaging or deposit rules, depending on which option lawmakers choose. The current landfill has roughly 20 years of capacity, so changes would affect everyday disposal costs over time.
The takeaway
Public input now can shape whether Rhode Island pursues packaging producer responsibility, a bottle deposit, or a hybrid approach. Residents and businesses who want a say should weigh in before the November 16 comment deadline.
What happens next
The final needs assessment is expected to go to state lawmakers by December 1, 2026, after public comments close on November 16.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Organic Food reporting on how waste and packaging decisions shape Rhode Island's food system.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Waste Dive.
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