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HB 8415

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT

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

Rhode Island would ban black plastic takeout containers for prepared foods and drinks starting Oct 1, 2026, requiring alternatives for takeout and delivery.

05/19/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 8415

Summary of HB 8415 (Rhode Island, 2026)

Main purpose and intent

  • Establishes a prohibition on the use of black plastic takeout containers for prepared foods and beverages in order to reduce plastic waste.
  • Targets containers made from recycled polypropylene or mineral-filled polypropylene used by restaurants, stores, and other retail establishments for takeout or delivery.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition scope:
    • Beginning October 1, 2026, any black plastic takeout container cannot be made available to customers for takeout food or beverages.
    • Entities that offer delivery of food from their premises to customers are prohibited from delivering food in black plastic takeout containers.
  • Definitions:
    • “Black plastic takeout containers” are specifically defined as containers made from recycled polypropylene or mineral-filled polypropylene used for takeout purposes.
  • Effective date:
    • The act takes effect on October 1, 2026.

Who and what is affected

  • Affected entities:
    • Restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments that provide takeout or delivery services for prepared foods and beverages.
  • Impact on operations:
    • Businesses will need to transition away from black plastic takeout containers to alternative materials or packaging options (e.g., non-black plastics, white/clear containers, compostable or recyclable alternatives) for both in-store takeout and deliveries.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative path:
    • Introduced April 8, 2026.
    • Referred to the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
    • Scheduled for hearing/consideration in May 2026 (dates noted in action history).
  • Compliance timeline:
    • Businesses must comply by October 1, 2026.

Additional notes

  • The bill is focused specifically on reducing plastic waste by eliminating a common packaging option (black plastic) used for takeout and delivery.
  • No exemptions are listed in the provided text; the prohibition appears to apply broadly to establishments offering takeout or delivery of prepared foods and beverages.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief comparison to similar plastic-reduction efforts in other jurisdictions or outline potential compliance steps for affected businesses.

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

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