Group seeks shift in who pays bills for some recycling

Manufacturers would be responsible for paying for recycling or disposal.

By Sean Flynn
Daily News staff

Ellie Leonardsmith has been photographing Aquidneck Island residents in their basements with their accumulated excess paint cans - and now the photos will be put on exhibit for the public.

This photography show has a concrete goal: increasing support for producer responsibility legislation in Rhode Island, which would establish manufacturer- funded collection and recycling programs for paint, mattresses and medical sharps, all of which pose significant financial and environmental burdens for cities and towns.

A bill which would allow Woonsocket to pursue a waste to energy facility, making an exception to the statewide ban on trash burning, has received a positive vote from committee and could be headed to the House floor before the end of legislative session.