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HB 7911

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PACKAGING AND PAPER ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island will require producers to fund and manage end-of-life packaging and paper through a single state-approved program or PRO, shifting costs and responsibility for recycli

05/27/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HB 7911

Summary of HB 7911 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Act

Purpose and overall aim

  • Establishes an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework for packaging and paper products in Rhode Island.
  • Creates a system where producers (or their designated organizations) are financially and operationally responsible for the lifecycle management of packaging and paper, including collection, recycling, reuse, and composting.
  • Seeks to shift costs and accountability from the state and taxpayers to the producers, with targets for recycling, reuse, composting, and postconsumer content.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions and scope (Chapter 19.20): Provides numerous definitions for terms used in the program (e.g., covered materials, packaging, recycling rate, reuse rate, compostable materials, additives of high concern, etc.). Distinguishes between covered materials (packaging/paper) and covered beverage containers; exempts certain materials from specifics (e.g., infant formula packaging, certain medical and health-related packaging, etc.).
  • Registration and governance ( §§ 23-19.20-2 to 23-19.20-4):
    • Rhode Island will accept packaging producer responsibility organizations (PROs) to oversee programs, with the department reviewing and approving plans.
    • The department may approve a single PRO for up to five years, with criteria focused on nonprofit status, governance by producers, and financial controls.
    • Establishes a Packaging Program Advisory Council to oversee and advise on plans, needs assessments, and rulemaking. Council composition includes manufacturers, recyclers, haulers, retailers, environmental groups, local government, labor, and the department.
  • Producer responsibilities and fees ( §§ 23-19.20-3, 23-19.20-5, 23-19.20-7):
    • Producers must join a PRO or submit an individual plan; otherwise they must register with the PRO, implement the plan, and pay fees.
    • Requires periodic fee submissions to fund administration, programs, and enforcement; annual reconciliation of fees with actual costs.
    • Fees and funding are deposited into the state treasury under a dedicated account.
  • Product and material restrictions ( §§ 23-19.20-6):
    • After July 1, 2030: no new introduction of covered materials unless the producer is part of a PRO or has an approved plan.
    • By July 1, 2032: materials must be reusable or recyclable/compostable and supported by a formal program to be introduced in the state. Extensions may be granted for specific materials if justified by market or technical constraints.
  • Program planning and needs assessments ( §§ 23-19.20-8 to 23-19.20-9):
    • PROs must conduct needs assessments every five years (initial by 6/1/2028) covering capacities, contamination, end markets, and infrastructure needs.
    • Packaging PRO plans and individual plans must be submitted and approved, with detailed targets, budgets, and strategies, including emphasis on reuse and refill where feasible.
    • Requires third-party certification, accounting for postconsumer content, and explicit inclusion of outreach and education plans.
  • Performance targets and metrics ( §§ 23-19.20-10 to 23-19.20-12):
    • Plans must specify targets for recycling, reuse, return, composting, source reduction, and postconsumer recycled content.
    • Requires methodologies to measure targets, with consideration of contamination and end-market viability.
    • PROs must establish alternative collection programs when appropriate and ensure convenient, state-wide access (at least one drop-off per municipality).

Who is affected

  • Beverage producers, packaging and paper product producers, and entities that first distribute items in Rhode Island.
  • PROs created by groups of producers to implement packaging and paper plans.
  • Service providers (recyclers, haulers, collection sites) that must align with PRO plans and performance targets.
  • Government entities and local communities participate via the advisory council and implementation requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • statewide implementation analysis and final report due; earliest 2027 for PRO registrations.
  • Initial PRO approval process by March 1, 2027 (for up to five years).
  • Individual producers may submit plans starting January 1, 2027 (and by 2029 for plans, with five-year validity).
  • Two major phase-in dates: 2030 for restrictions on introducing new materials; 2032 for ensuring materials are reusable/recycling/compostable with approved plans.
  • Ongoing annual fees begin by July 1, 2028, with prior-year reconciliations and potential adjustments.
  • Regular needs assessments and plan approvals every five years, with public posting and advisory council input.

Bottom line

HB 7911 creates an extensive state-wide EPR framework for packaging and paper, requiring producers to fund and manage end-of-life stewardship, establish clear performance targets, and coordinate through a state-approved PRO or individual plans, with strong governance, reporting, and public participation components.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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