R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-15-1: Statement of policy.

Recognizing the ever increasing mobility of the people of Rhode Island as well as the fundamental need for a healthful, clean, and beautiful environment; and further recognizing that the proliferation and accumulation of litter discarded throughout this state impairs this need and constitutes a public health hazard; and further recognizing the need to conserve energy and natural resources; and further recognizing that there is an imperative need to anticipate, plan for, and accomplish effective litter control and recover and recycle waste materials pertinent to litter with the subsequent conservation of resources and energy, there is hereby enacted this “litter control and recycling” chapter.