AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT (Prohibits the use of black plastic takeout containers for use to take prepared foods and drinks from restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments.)

H8415

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:
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SECTION 1. Chapter 23-19.18 of the General Laws entitled "Plastic Waste Reduction Act"
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is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
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23-19.18-7. Prohibition on black plastic takeout containers.

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(a) As used herein, the term "black plastic takeout containers" means and refers to
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containers made from recycled polypropylene or mineral-filled polypropylene, and which are used
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for and to take out prepared foods or beverages from a restaurant, store, or other retail sales
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establishment.
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(b) On and after October 1, 2026,

restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments
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are prohibited from making any black plastic takeout containers available to customers for use to
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take out food or beverages from the establishment or restaurant. Restaurants, stores, and other retail
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sales establishments that make deliveries of goods from its premises to customers are prohibited
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from delivering food to customers in black plastic takeout containers
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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
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foods and drinks from restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments.
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This act would take effect on October 1, 2026.
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LC006277
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