250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-140-20-2.3

Current through October 15, 2024

Section 250-RICR-140-20-2.3 - Findings and Policy

A. The findings and policies contained in R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-18.8, are hereby adopted as the administrative findings and policy upon which these Rules and Regulations are based and are enumerated below.

B. These findings recognize and declare that it is the policy of the state that:

1. The Central Landfill is a public resource of limited and finite capacity which the state, as guardian and trustee for its people, has the right and the obligation to preserve for the use of its people;

2. Solid waste management problems are statewide in scope and necessitate state action through technical assistance and leadership in the application of new and improved methods and processes to reduce the amount of solid waste that must be disposed of, and to promote environmentally acceptable and economically sound solid waste management;

3. Any environmentally and economically sound solid waste management system must incorporate recycling;

4. The failure or inability to economically recover and recycle materials and energy resources from solid waste results in the unnecessary waste and depletion of natural resources;

5. All solid waste capable of being recycled should be recycled;

6. A sound recycling program will best be achieved by cooperation of the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, the Department of Environmental Management, and the cities and towns of the State of Rhode Island;

7. Upon full implementation of the recycling program, all solid waste, both from cities and towns and commercial establishments, will be separated in recyclable and non-recyclable components;

8. In order to develop a workable implementation schedule the Department of Environmental Management should develop schedules for the entry of cities and towns into the source separation system;

9. The corporation should provide, for a period of three (3) years, the reasonable allowable costs for implementing this program for cities and towns;

10. The definition of recyclable materials shall be the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Management and should be changed from time to time depending upon new technologies, economic conditions, waste stream characteristics, environmental effects, or other factors.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-140-20-2.3

Amended effective 4/22/2020