RI S2794

Establishes a $0.10 refund value on covered beverage containers (glass bottles, rigid plastic bottles, and metal cans between 40ml and one gallon) beginning July 1, 2030, with exemptions for 100% fluid milk, infant formula, drugs, and meal replacement liquids.

Requires beverage producers to join a nonprofit Recycling Refund Producer Responsibility Organization by July 1, 2027, which must develop and implement a program plan, establish redemption sites statewide, and pay material-specific fees based on container management costs.

Sets mandatory redemption rate targets of 65% by 2032 and 85% by 2035, with the Department of Environmental Management authorized to increase the refund value if targets are missed for two consecutive years.

Creates an 11-member Recycling Refund Advisory Council including representatives from municipalities, retailers, environmental groups, labor organizations, and recycling processors to review program activities and advise on implementation.

Authorizes civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation per day ($10,000 for subsequent violations) against producers or the organization for non-compliance, and penalties of twice the fraudulent amount or $500 (whichever is greater) for fraudulent redemption activity.