Rhode Island Delays Decision on Proposed Bottle Bill Legislation

Categories: Rhode Island Business NewsRhode Island News

Debate continues over the proposed bottle bill in Rhode Island, aimed at improving recycling rates.

News Summary

Rhode Island has postponed a decision regarding a proposed bottle bill that would impose a 10-cent refundable deposit on beverages. The legislation faces opposition from small-business owners and the Chamber of Commerce, who warn of increased costs. Supporters argue it would enhance recycling efforts amid a recycling crisis in the state. Legislative leaders are creating a council for further assessment, while critics claim the delay could burden consumers. The situation remains contentious as discussions continue in state committees.

Rhode Island has postponed a decision on proposed bottle bill legislation that would require a 10-cent refundable deposit on nearly all bottled and canned beverages sold in the state. This legislation has sparked significant pushback from small-business owners and the state’s largest Chamber of Commerce, who are urging leaders to reject the bill, which they argue could impose additional costs on consumers and businesses alike.

Supporters of the bottle bill believe it would significantly improve recycling rates for beverage containers, which are often found littering the environment. The state is currently facing a serious recycling crisis, with tens of thousands of tons of recyclable material ending up in landfills due to contamination, which has a substantial financial impact on taxpayers. In 2024 alone, Rhode Island rejected 29,000 tons of contaminated recyclables, an amount large enough to cover 895 football fields. Additionally, the city of Providence incurred $1.14 million in fees for rejected recyclables over the past year.

After a recent poll conducted by Save the Bay in 2025, it was revealed that more than half of Rhode Islanders support the introduction of a 10-cent bottle deposit, with support rising further after exposure to arguments in favor of the proposed legislation.

The General Assembly’s decision to postpone action on the bottle bill follows an amendment intended to delay any legislative action for an additional two years. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Valarie Lawson announced the creation of a needs assessment council to explore a bottle redemption and recycling plan. This council will be composed of members from various sectors, including retail, composting, environmental advocacy, and packaging production.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Administration will oversee the development of a comprehensive report that is scheduled to be completed by December 28, 2026. An independent consultant will be enlisted to evaluate policy and infrastructure requirements, including the projected costs associated with the proposed redemption program.

Legislative leaders cited conflicting data regarding optimal practices and emphasized the necessity for a thorough assessment before proceeding. The needs assessment will include a cost-benefit analysis and research on similar programs implemented in other states.

Critics of the amendment argue that delaying the decision could pave the way for what they see as a refundable deposit program that would function similarly to a tax on consumers. The Stop the Rhode Island Bottle Tax Coalition is staunchly opposing the proposed bottle bill, stating that it would create undue financial pressure on working families and small businesses. This coalition is supported by the American Beverage Association, which represents major beverage companies such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.

While advocates for the bottle bill argue that the amendment stalls progress toward a more sustainable recycling system, the need for comprehensive data has been emphasized. Environmental advocates, including representatives from Save the Bay, have criticized the delay, suggesting that sufficient research has already been conducted to warrant immediate action.

The amended bottle bill will undergo further discussions in the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, while a comparable bill is set to be evaluated by the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee. Representative Carol Hagan McEntee, who co-chaired a special legislative commission studying the bottle bill for the past 18 months, has expressed her disappointment over this delay, highlighting the urgent need to address ongoing issues related to littering and recycling rates in the state.

Without the implementation of a bottle bill, there are concerns that Rhode Island could continue to struggle with litter and pollution issues, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Narragansett Bay.