Statewide law
Rhode Island organic waste law
Rhode Island's law covers entities making 104+ tons/yr, educational facilities at 52 tons and educational entities at 30 tons, within 15 mi. From Jan 2029 the 15-mile exemption ends for schools only.
At a glance Statewide law
Read the official rules (opens in a new tab)
- The law
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-18.9-17; H7342/S2438 (signed June 18, 2026)
- Who’s covered
- Covered entities 104+ tons/yr; educational facilities 52 tons; educational entities 30 tons
- Thresholds and key dates
- Within 15 mi; from Jan 2029 the 15-mile exemption ends for SCHOOLS ONLY
- Local rules
- None found (new law lets towns set penalties for local organics bans)
✦ Keep an eye on
What’s changing
The end of the 15-mile exemption applies to schools and educational entities only.
- Jan 202915-mile exemption ends for schools
01 / Our job
What Melly’s handles
- Which rules apply to each of your Rhode Island locations
- File the paperwork for you
- Set up pickup or a compliant hauler
- Keep your records current so you are ready if an inspector asks
✦ Where this comes from
Sources
Last checked October 14, 2026. Laws change. If something here looks out of date, tell us.
These are plain-English summaries for general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source.
✦ Get a compliance plan
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✦ Let Melly’s handle it
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