Rhode Island needs Recycling Reform!

Right now only about 26% of packaging is properly recycled in Rhode Island, despite 80% of Rhode Islanders having access to recycling.

The Recycling Reforms proposed in Rhode Island would increase recycling rates, reduce litter and landfill waste, and save taxpayer money. In order to pass, your legislators need to hear from you! Fill out this form to send a letter to your state representative and senator encouraging them to support House Bill 7911 and Senate Bill 3012

What are Recycling Reforms?

Recycling reforms, proposed by HB 7911 and SB 3012, would create an effective and convenient producer-funded recycling system in Rhode Island at the most efficient cost, while reducing litter and protecting the environment.

• Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a policy that holds brands and companies (“producers”) responsible for the collection and recycling of packaging they place on the market, shifting the financial responsibility for these programs from municipalities to producers. EPR primarily addresses household waste by supporting curbside recycling programs.
• Recycling refunds (RR) place a small, refundable deposit on purchases of bottles and cans. When consumers return their beverage containers to designated drop-off locations, that fee is refunded—incentivizing consumers to recycle containers that are at risk of becoming litter.

Who is CHPR?

The Coalition for High Performance Recycling (CHPR) is a diverse group of consumer brands, environmental nonprofits, material manufacturers, packaging suppliers, trade associations, and material collection and sorting technology providers. Together, CHPR members collaborate to advance a comprehensive policy solution that pairs extended producer responsibility (EPR) with recycling refunds (RR), or modernized “bottle bills,” to help ensure all packaging is recycled at the highest rate and most efficient cost. Learn more on the CHPR Rhode Island Website.