R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-20-16: Recycling plans.

(a) All state departments and agencies shall present a recycling plan to the department of environmental management by June 30, 1991. The plan will follow procedures and methods as prescribed by the current rules and regulations governing the commercial solid waste recycling plan.

(b) The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and the department of corrections shall also provide, within the plan described in subsection (a), an evaluation of the cost, health, and safety implications of using reusable food service utensils, plates, and cups as alternatives to using disposable food service products.

(c) The department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals and the department of corrections shall, in addition, provide an assessment of implementing a pilot program to recycle polystyrene food service products as a recycling alternative.