RI S2656

Establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program requiring producers of packaging and paper products to fund and coordinate municipal recycling programs through a nonprofit producer responsibility organization approved by the Department of Environmental Management by March 31, 2027

Creates a 13-member advisory board to oversee the program, including representatives from local governments, materials recovery facilities, environmental organizations, retailers, and underserved communities, with first meeting required by March 1, 2027

Requires producers to pay dues based on the type and recyclability of their covered materials, with eco-modulation factors to incentivize recyclable packaging design and penalize materials that disrupt recycling systems

Mandates a baseline assessment of Rhode Island's recycling infrastructure by an independent third party, followed by a 5-year program plan with minimum collection rates, recycling rates, and postconsumer recycled content targets for 2033 and 2038

Repeals the existing 8-cent per case tax on beverage containers upon approval of the final EPR plan, shifting recycling program funding responsibility from taxpayers to product producers