The Rhode Island Senate passed a resolution to study ways to better handle recyclable materials, including exploring the potential of starting a bottle redemption program in the state. Sponsor Josh Miller (D-Cranston) said there is a need to address the dangers of pollution after China said it would no longer accept foreign waste for recycling in 2018.
“We can’t just accept the situation and dump recycling in the landfill, which is nearing its capacity. We need to take action to encourage industry to find applications for it,” said Miller. The resolution calls for a comprehensive study to be completed by Jan. 10, 2023.
As part of that study, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will outline the plan to potentially start a bottle redemption program in the state.