FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Green Zone is a newly launched partnership of RI Resource Recovery and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM).

What is the purpose of the Green Zone?

The Green Zone is here to help RI businesses take the waste out of business. The Green Zone will help businesses understand RI's business recycling laws/regulations and gain a competitive edge through recycling and waste reduction activities. The Green Zone team believes the social and marketing advantages of going green through recycling and other waste reduction activities can result in real benefits that impact the bottom line of RI businesses.

How do I contact someone from the Green Zone?

Please visit the Green Zone's contact page. You can either fill out a form requesting someone contact you directly or you can contact us directly. We can help you get started today.

Is my business/organization required to recycle?

Yes, and we can help you better understand how to meet these requirements. According to the RI DEM Commercial Recycling Regulations, any "individual, firm, institution, school, government or quasi-government agency, partnership, association or corporation; public or private; organized or existing under the laws of the state or other states including federal corporations" must recycle. Visit the RI DEM Commercial Recycling website for additional information.

What materials should my business/organization be recycling?

The following materials are recyclable and must be segregated from your regular solid waste: aluminum; automobiles; coated unbleached kraft beverage carriers; corrugated cardboard; glass food and beverage containers; laser toner cartridges; leaves and yard waste; newspaper; high density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic milk and water containers; office paper; polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic soft drink containers; steel, and tin coated steel cans; telephone directories; used lubricating oil; vehicle batteries; white goods; and, wood waste.

What can I do if my business/organization does not currently recycle?

We encourage you to contact us. Please visit the Green Zone's contact page. You can either fill out a form requesting someone contact you directly or you can contact us directly. Assistance may consist of a site visit, a waste assessment, or sharing of information and educational materials on how to begin recycling.

What about larger businesses/organizations? Are there additional steps these businesses/organizations need to be aware of?

Yes. All organizations with 50 or more employees are required by the RI DEM Commercial Recycling Regulations to complete an Annual Recycling Report. To find the online Annual Recycling report, please visit RI DEM's Commercial Recycling website.

What if my waste hauler does not provide recycling services?

Please visit the Green Zone's contact page. You can either fill out a form requesting someone contact you directly or you can contact us directly to talk about this specific issue. We can assist you with finding a hauler to handle your recycling needs.

My landlord supplies the waste disposal under the terms of our lease agreement. Is he/she responsible for the recycling also?

Still have questions? Please contact us.