R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-19.6-2: Legislative findings.

The legislature finds that over two million gallons (2,000,000 gals.) of used oil are generated each year in the state, less than half of which is presently reclaimed; that used oil is an increasingly valuable and scarce resource that can and should be recycled; and that legislation is needed to prevent the wasteful disposal of oil which causes economic loss and, when improperly disposed of, pollution of air, land, and water which endangers the public health and welfare.