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SB 2441

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- COMPOSTING AND ORGANIC WASTE DIVERSION

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Bell and 9 co-sponsors

Establishes a state framework with a $2/ton solid waste surcharge and dedicated funds to boost composting, organic-waste diversion, and related grants/infrastructure in Rhode Islan

04/28/2026 Committee heard
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Bill Summary · SB 2441

Summary of SB 2441 (Rhode Island, 2026) – Composting and Organic Waste Diversion

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a comprehensive framework to reduce solid waste, promote composting, and divert organic waste from disposal.
  • Creates dedicated funding streams (compost fund and municipal waste diversion grant fund) and a new solid waste disposal surcharge to support programs, infrastructure, and education.
  • Aligns with climate goals by increasing soil health, carbon sequestration, and reducing emissions associated with fertilizer production and waste disposal.

Key Provisions

Establishment of Funds

  • Compost Fund (CF): A special, nonlapsing fund administered by the Office of the General Treasurer (OGT) to support:

    • Reducing solid waste generation
    • Surplusfood rescue
    • Shell recovery/diversion
    • Compost production and use
    • Reducing illegal dumping
    • Grants for equipment, infrastructure, and education related to composting and waste diversion
    • Up to 5% of annual surcharge revenue may cover administrative costs
    • Interest earnings credited to CF

  • Competitive Composting and Waste Diversion Grant Fund (CG Fund): A special, nonlapsing fund to award grants for developing and implementing compost production/use and activities advancing food waste prevention, rescue, recovery, and illegal dumping reduction. Administered by DEM with equity aims (supporting small/mid-sized projects and disadvantaged groups).

  • Municipal Waste Diversion Grant Fund (MG Fund): A special, nonlapsing fund for grants to municipalities to support local food waste prevention, rescue/recovery, composting, and illegal dumping mitigation. Administered by the OGT.

Solid Waste Disposal Surcharge

  • Surcharge Amount: $2.00 per ton of solid waste processed by a refuse disposal facility.
  • Applies to all payors; MSW surcharges require municipal opt-in for each municipality to participate in the surcharge program.
  • Surcharge revenue is deposited into the CF (and MG Fund CG Fund as applicable) by the OGT.
  • Increases: The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) must adjust the surcharge on Jan 1, 2031, and every five years thereafter to the greater of:
    • Changes in the New England CPI, or
    • 20%
  • Surcharge is limited to once per load of waste and collections are coordinated so fees are not double-counted.

Definitions (Key Terms)

  • Clear definitions for compost, composting, composting facility, municipal solid waste (MSW), payor, refuse disposal system, recycling, and solid waste.
  • Payor includes entities disposing of waste at drop-off sites, transfer stations, or at the RI Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) landfill.

Grant Program Design and Administration

  • Grant Application Procedures: DEM to establish simple, accessible application processes, including provisions for:
    • Participation by resource-limited entities
    • Multiple application formats (written, video, audio)
    • Translation services
  • Grant Reporting: Simple reporting formats; mandatory disclosures on activities, compost generation/use, diversion metrics, and impacts on soil health, resilience, job creation, waste prevention, and illegal dumping.
  • Grant Evaluation Criteria: Priorities include:
    • Clear project goals for composting/food waste prevention
    • Direct community benefits and addressing local needs
    • Localized, distributed infrastructure (including on-site/home composting)
    • Infrastructure expansion for in-state composting/food waste programs
    • Community impact, including living wages and inclusive leadership
    • Projects led by and serving low-income or socially disadvantaged groups, veterans, women, and small/diverse farming operations
    • Knowledge of best practices

Municipal Planning and Compliance

  • Municipalities opting into the surcharge program may receive MG Fund grants, with proportional distribution by population.
  • Municipal reporting required on grant activities, waste diversion gains, and illegal dumping mitigation; reports to be posted publicly.

Reporting to the Legislature

  • DEM must report annually (starting Dec 1, 2027) on grants awarded and their impacts (jobs, waste prevention/diversion, compost utilization).
  • Beginning Jan 1, 2031, DEM must include in the periodic review an analysis of adjustments to the solid waste disposal surcharge to further the act’s goals (every five years thereafter).

Effective Date

  • Takes effect January 1, 2027.

Likely Impacts

  • Environmental/Climate: Expected increase in composting, reduction in organic waste sent to landfills, and potential carbon sequestration benefits from healthier soils.
  • Economic/Infrastructure: New funding streams for composting facilities, equipment, and education; support for local businesses, farmers, and small/ disadvantaged entities; potential job creation and regional investment in waste diversion infrastructure.
  • Operational: Municipalities and waste haulers will participate in a surcharge program (opt-in for MSW in their area) and may apply for grants to implement diversion projects.
  • Administrative: DEM and the OGT will manage funds, administer grants, collect and audit surcharge payments, and report on progress to the General Assembly.

If you’d like, I can break down the funding percentages and grant eligibility into a quick reference chart or compare this bill’s framework to Rhode Island’s existing waste-management programs.

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

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