Rhode Island H7736 bans artificial turf for landfill cover, mandates a pilot program for plant mixes, and imposes fines for violations.

Rhode Island H7736 prohibits the use of artificial turf as material to cover compacted solid waste at a sanitary landfill starting July 1, 2026. The bill also mandates the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation to initiate a pilot program to assess the feasibility and benefits of using a grass mix with pollinators and/or a plant mix as landfill cover. The corporation must report on the pilot program by January 1, 2028. Facilities violating the ban on artificial turf will face fines ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.

Rhode Island H7736 bans artificial turf for landfill cover, mandates a pilot program for plant mixes, and imposes fines for violations.

Rhode Island H7736 prohibits the use of artificial turf as material to cover compacted solid waste at a sanitary landfill starting July 1, 2026. The bill also mandates the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation to initiate a pilot program to assess the feasibility and benefits of using a grass mix with pollinators and/or a plant mix as landfill cover. The corporation must report on the pilot program by January 1, 2028. Facilities violating the ban on artificial turf will face fines ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.