§ 23-18.15-4. Rhode Island resource recovery plan. (a) The Rhode Island resource recovery corporation shall create a plan that quantifies and details the impacts of a beverage container deposit of $.05 on beverage containers sold in the state of Rhode Island. The plan shall include but not be limited to:

(1) Defining the beverage containers that should be included in a deposit system including the maximum size allowable for redemption and the types of containers that should be exempt from the deposit system;

(2) Quantifying any taxes and deposits that are already charged on beverage containers, as defined in subsection (1) above, in the state and compare those charges with beverage container charges in the commonwealth of Massachusetts and the state of Connecticut;

(3) Determining the appropriate labeling requirements for beverage containers subject to the deposit, provided that a Rhode Island state specific bar code not be a requirement;

(4) Identifying the appropriate entities to collect, redeem and transfer beverage containers and deposits;

(5) Defining the redemption methods that could be used and identifying appropriate locations for redemption centers including centers operated by the corporation as well as by businesses;

(6) Identifying the costs to the corporation and any other entities identified in the study for providing redemption services;

(7) Recommending how unclaimed deposits could be used;

(8) Analyzing possible impacts to municipal recycling programs; and

(9) Recommending possible alternatives to a beverage container deposit system that would yield significantly increased recycling rates statewide.

(b) The corporation shall report the findings, recommendations and a timeline for implementation of the plan to the general assembly and the governor no later than January 1, 2009.

History of Section. (P.L. 2008, ch. 260, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 420, § 1.)