Rhode Island has no statewide plastic straw ban, but several municipalities including Providence have adopted upon-request rules requiring food service establishments to provide plastic straws only when customers ask.
Rhode Island state law does not prohibit plastic straws, leaving regulation to municipalities. Providence and several other cities and towns have adopted upon-request ordinances requiring food service establishments to provide single-use plastic straws only when affirmatively requested by customers, with accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The state's broader Plastic Waste Reduction Act under RIGL Chapter 23-92 focuses on bags rather than straws, though future amendments may expand coverage. Compostable and paper alternatives are encouraged statewide, and disability rights protections require continued availability for those who need them.
In municipalities with upon-request straw ordinances, food service establishments providing unsolicited plastic straws face local civil penalties; no statewide enforcement currently exists.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket Code Chapter 286 (adopted 1972, Ord. No. 1369) prohibits noise exceeding the ambient base level by more than 5 dBA at the property line, or sound p...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's noise ordinance Chapter 286 covers animal noise under its general prohibition on unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace. Habitual barking cons...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates construction noise through Chapter 286 general noise provisions. Construction activities must comply with the 5 dBA above ambient standar...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates amplified music and events. Permits required for public amplification. Residential areas must comply with local noise ordinances.
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket's zoning ordinance allows storage of recreational vehicles in private garages and sheds. Tractor trailers are prohibited in residential zones. RVs ...
Pawtucket, RI
Pawtucket regulates driveway construction through building permits and zoning. Vehicles must not block sidewalks. Off-street parking requirements vary by lan...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Providence County.
See how Pawtucket's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.
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