RI S2438

Educational entities must report waste audit results to the Rhode Island Department of Education commissioner starting January 1, 2027, and every three years thereafter; results will be published on the department website.

Schools may establish "sharing tables" where students and staff can place unopened prepackaged foods, wrapped produce, and temperature-controlled perishable items to reduce waste and food insecurity; unclaimed items may be donated to food banks.

Food service vendors must exclusively use organic waste recycling methods (composting or anaerobic digestion) and are encouraged to purchase 10% of food products from Rhode Island-based companies; non-compliant vendors are barred from future school contracts.

Vendors must annually report food donations and related tax deductions to the Department of Education, with a $1,000 fine per violation for non-compliance and prohibition from future school food service contracts.

Starting January 1, 2029, all educational entities must recycle organic waste at authorized composting or anaerobic digestion facilities, removing the current 30-ton minimum and 15-mile proximity requirements.