Rhode Island Composting and Food Waste State Law

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.