Rhode Island's mandatory commercial food-waste diversion law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-18.9-17) requires large generators near composting facilities to divert organics, applying uniformly statewide to qualifying entities.
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-18.9-17, enacted in 2014 and amended in subsequent sessions, covered entities generating one ton or more per week of organic waste and located within 15 miles of a permitted composting or anaerobic digestion facility must separate and divert that waste from disposal. The law applies to educational institutions, hospitals, supermarkets, and other large generators statewide; residential generators are exempt. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) enforces compliance under § 23-18.9. Backyard residential composting is encouraged statewide and not subject to permits when handling household organic waste only.
DEM may issue notices of violation and civil penalties up to $1,000 per day under § 23-18.9-9 for noncompliant covered entities; residential composters face no state penalties.
Providence, RI
Providence has no general ordinance restricting lawn ornaments, statues, or yard decorations on private residential property. Decorations must stay within pr...
Providence, RI
Providence has no specific ordinance regulating inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Inflatables must remain on private property and ...
Providence, RI
Providence does not have a dedicated ordinance restricting residential holiday lighting. General electrical safety and nuisance standards apply. Permanent ex...
Providence, RI
Permanent outdoor kitchens in Providence require permits from the Department of Inspection and Standards when they involve gas, plumbing, electrical, or stru...
Providence, RI
Providence treats wood, pellet, and charcoal smokers the same as charcoal grills under NFPA 1 Section 10.11.7 (Rhode Island State Fire Code). Use on balconie...
Providence, RI
Rhode Island has adopted NFPA 1 (the National Fire Protection Association Uniform Fire Code, 2018 edition) under R.I. Gen. Laws Section 23-28.1 as the State ...
See how Providence's composting rules stack up against other locations.
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