Rhode Island Plastic Straw Rules and Local Ordinances

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.