2022 -- S 2582 SUBSTITUTE A

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LC004810/SUB A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY

CORPORATION AND THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL

MANAGEMENT TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF PLASTICS

RECYCLING

     Introduced By: Senators Miller, Coyne, Kallman, Euer, and Cano

     Date Introduced: March 10, 2022

     Referred To: Senate Environment & Agriculture

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island is blessed with the beautiful Narragansett Bay, hundreds of

miles of scenic coastline, dozens of islands, and hundreds of bodies of water including rivers,

ponds, and lakes; and

     WHEREAS, These treasured Rhode Island resources are facing a continuous and

growing threat from plastic pollution; and

     WHEREAS, Plastic pollution is dangerous to the health of our oceans and ocean species,

contributes to climate change, and is a major component of unsightly litter both on our lands and

in our waters; and

     WHEREAS, Plastics that enter the marine environment break down through wave action

and sunlight into smaller pieces called microplastics, which can be ingested by marine life,

putting Rhode Island's fishing industries and aquatic ecosystems at risks; and

     WHEREAS, Plastics are one component of an interconnected global commodities market

for packaging, packaging components, and post-consumer recycled materials; and

     WHEREAS, The beverage industry, due to the increase in recycled-content mandates,

has a desire to secure post-consumer sources of recycled material; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby respectfully requests

the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) and Rhode Island Department of

Environmental Management (RIDEM) jointly to conduct a comprehensive study to support

expansion of markets for recycled materials; and if a market for recycled single stream does not

exist, to support implementation of a bottle redemption program comparable to a program

currently operating in the region. This study shall include:

     1. A summary of Rhode Island’s current requirements for plastics, glass, fibers, metals

and aluminum recycling;

     2. Estimates of the proportionate volume of plastics, glass, fibers, metals and aluminum

recycled versus disposed of in landfills in Rhode Island;

     3. Available information on the fate of plastics, glass, fibers, metals and aluminum

collected for recycling in Rhode Island;

     4. An analysis of plastics, glass, fibers, metals and aluminum generation by type and

current method of disposal;

     5. Information regarding recycling markets including in-state recycling, and national and

international markets;

     6. A review of current initiatives in neighboring states and nationally to reduce plastics,

glass, fibers, metals and aluminum and additional financial and market tools that may be

employed;

     7. A comparison of container deposit programs, including their methods and

administration, that rely on state administration with those that utilize third-party nonprofit entity

administration subject to state regulation;

     8. An analysis of the ways and means to enhance the development and expansion of

markets for post-consumer recycled plastic, glass, fibers, metals and aluminum, including state

and local purchasing and procurement practices;

     9. A study of the costs and practicality of new recycled content technologies, including

successful approaches to recycled plastic, glass, fibers, metals and aluminum materials

development employed by other states;

     10. An analysis of the trends in new plastics, glass, fibers, metals and aluminum being

developed, opportunities for reduction and recycling, and market development;

     11. Recommendations for market-based recycling opportunities for plastics, glass, fibers,

metals and aluminum;

     12. Recommendations for incentives for expanded in-state end uses for plastics, glass,

fibers, metals and aluminum; and

     13. A detailed plan regarding what would be necessary to implement a bottle redemption

program based on best practices as identified in the study in Rhode Island within two (2) years;

and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby requests the RIRRC and RIDEM to report its

findings and recommendations to the Senate on or before January 10, 2023; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Executive Director of the Rhode Island

Resource Recovery Corporation and the Director of the Rhode Island Department of

Environmental Management.

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