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6/26/2025
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Textile recycling bill signed into law
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation sponsored by Deputy Speaker Raymond A. Hull and Sen. Alana M. DiMario to create a public outreach campaign about textile recycling was signed into law.
The legislation (2025-H 5293, 2025-S 0324) will create a public education outreach program to educate residential households and commercial businesses on the value of, and proper methods to, recycle textiles in the state. The bill also contains a reporting and accountability requirement to measure whether the outreach and education program is effective in helping individuals, businesses, and municipalities increase their textile recycling rates and divert textiles from the landfill.
“The simple fact of the matter is that the landfill is running out of space at an alarming rate, and we must do everything in our power to divert away as much waste as possible. Most people may not associate textiles with recycling, but their use and value when recycled is significant and we must educate the public about the effectiveness of textile recycling. This bill will help extend the life of the landfill, while also helping us move toward a more sustainable and waste conscious way of life,” said Deputy Speaker Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence).
“This legislation is needed because most of the public does not realize that textiles can be recycled and that recycled textiles are a valuable commodity. And by increasing the practice of textile recycling, we will also be able to extend the life of the state’s landfill, which is rapidly approaching its capacity. At a time when we are striving to create a more sustainable way of life, this bill will move us closer to that goal,” said Senator DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham).
According to the most recent data, an estimated 28,860 tons of textiles from residential, industrial and commercial institutions are delivered to the landfill per year, and the state’s only landfill will reach its capacity by 2046.
The legislation was developed with input from the Department of Environmental Management, the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, the League of Cities and Towns and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI). Organizations like BBBSRI recycle non-usable textiles and utilize the profits to fund essential programs. In addition, cities and towns will benefit from reduced tipping fees if textiles are recycled properly as opposed to being thrown away.
For more information, contact:
Tristan Grau, Publicist
State House Room B20
Providence, RI 02903
401.222.4935
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