Rhode Island mandates residential recycling under RIGL §23-18.8. Providence County cities use single-stream curbside for paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastics #1/#2. Contaminated bins rejected. Businesses and multifamily subject to commercial recycling rules.
RIGL §23-18.8 (Rhode Island Solid Waste Management) mandates residential and commercial recycling statewide, administered by RI Resource Recovery Corporation. Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, East Providence, Warwick, Woonsocket, and all Providence County municipalities provide single-stream curbside recycling accepting paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE). Plastic bags, styrofoam, food waste, and tanglers (hoses, wires) are not accepted and contaminate loads — bins tagged and skipped at RIRRC's Materials Recycling Facility in Johnston. Businesses with 50+ employees and multifamily buildings with 5+ units must have commercial recycling per RIGL §23-18.9. Providence Code Ch. 20 incorporates these requirements.
Contaminated bins: tagged and skipped, repeat contamination $25 to $100. Failure to recycle (commercial): RIGL §23-18.8 fine $100 to $1,000 per occurrence. Providence noncompliance referred to DPW enforcement.
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 ...
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