2026 -- H 8415

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LC006277

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT

     Introduced By: Representatives Bennett, Hopkins, Edwards, McEntee, Speakman,
Handy, Carson, Kislak, Santucci, and Boylan

     Date Introduced: April 08, 2026

     Referred To: House Environment and Natural Resources

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 23-19.18 of the General Laws entitled "Plastic Waste Reduction Act"

is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     23-19.18-7. Prohibition on black plastic takeout containers.

     (a) As used herein, the term "black plastic takeout containers" means and refers to

containers made from recycled polypropylene or mineral-filled polypropylene, and which are used

for and to take out prepared foods or beverages from a restaurant, store, or other retail sales

establishment.

     (b) On and after October 1, 2026, restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments

are prohibited from making any black plastic takeout containers available to customers for use to

take out food or beverages from the establishment or restaurant. Restaurants, stores, and other retail

sales establishments that make deliveries of goods from its premises to customers are prohibited

from delivering food to customers in black plastic takeout containers

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect on October 1, 2026.

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LC006277

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT

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     This act would prohibit the use of black plastic takeout containers for use to take prepared

foods and drinks from restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments.

     This act would take effect on October 1, 2026.

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LC006277

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