RI S2802

Prohibits the use of artificial turf as landfill cover material at sanitary landfills operated by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, effective July 1, 2026; artificial turf installed before that date is grandfathered in.

Violations carry fines of $2,500 to $5,000, payable to the city or town where the facility is located.

Requires the corporation to develop a tracking and reporting system for artificial turf disposal volume and weight, with data included in annual reports.

Establishes a landfill plant cover pilot program to test the feasibility of using grass mixes with pollinators and/or native plant mixes as landfill cover, developed in consultation with URI Cooperative Extension or similar experts.

Requires the corporation to report on the pilot program to legislative leaders and the public by January 1, 2028.