Landfills & Dumps in Rhode Island

Rhode Island operates the nation's most centralized waste management system through the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC), which manages the Central Landfill in Johnston serving the entire state. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) provides regulatory oversight under Rules and Regulations for Solid Waste Management Facilities (250-RICR-140-05-1) and Solid Waste Landfills regulations (250-RICR-140-05-2). Towns contract with RIRRC for disposal services, with some operating local transfer stations for resident convenience.

State law requires Rhode Island municipalities to bring their trash and recyclables to Resource Recovery for disposal and processing, and mandates reaching a recycling rate of 35 percent and a diversion rate of 50 percent. RIRRC projects that at current disposal rates, the Central Landfill will not exhaust its permitted disposal capacity until 2040, though they are working to identify cost-effective means for further diverting waste from the landfill.

Out-of-state waste is strictly prohibited at the Central Landfill under state law. No person, firm, corporation, transfer station, or commercial entity engaged in waste collection or processing may deposit solid waste generated or collected outside Rhode Island's territorial limits. Each violation is punishable by up to three years imprisonment and fines up to $50,000. Commercial entities must provide certification via U.S. mail that waste was not generated or collected outside the state.

Recycling is mandatory statewide for paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics, with most communities offering curbside recycling and drop-off centers. The Eco-Depot program at the Central Landfill accepts household hazardous waste including paint, pesticides, automotive fluids, and electronics by appointment. Small businesses may also qualify for certain Eco-Depot programs. Contaminating recyclables can result in fines.

Residents can bring waste directly to the Central Landfill with proper ID and vehicle registration, while some towns offer local transfer stations or drop-off centers for convenience. Before visiting any facility, check with RIRRC or your town for accepted materials, fees, and operating hours. RIRRC maintains rules and regulations covering municipal solid waste disposal fee pricing, annual municipal waste cap allotments, and out-of-state waste prohibition enforcement.