Rhode Island bill requires caterers to submit annual organic waste diversion plans to the Department of Environmental Management

Original title: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ORGANICS DIVERSION AT CATERED EVENTS ACT (Creates the "Organics Diversion at Catered Events Act" to require caterers to submit an annual diversion plan for food and organic waste to the department of environmental management for approval prior to permitting for covered events.)

Last action · February 26, 2026: Committee recommended measure be held for further studySponsors: Lauren Carson and 5 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

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Passed

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What This Bill Proposed

Rhode Island legislation creates the at Catered Events Act, requiring caterers to submit an annual diversion plan for food and organic waste to the department of environmental management for approval prior to event permitting.

Why it matters

Caterers seeking permits for covered events must comply with new waste management filing requirements overseen by state environmental regulators.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

caterers

Caterers must submit an annual organic waste diversion plan to the department of environmental management for approval prior to obtaining event permits.

Key Facts

Establishes the Organics Diversion at Catered Events Act.
Requires caterers to submit an annual diversion plan for food and organic waste.
Mandates plan approval by the department of environmental management prior to permitting for covered events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must caterers submit before receiving event permits under this bill?

Caterers must submit an annual diversion plan for food and organic waste to the department of environmental management for approval.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.

Procedural history

3 actions

Feb 26, 2026
Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Feb 19, 2026
Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (02/26/2026)
Feb 12, 2026Introduced
Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources

Version history

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