RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Litter Free Initiatives

RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Carry In, Carry Out Program

Everyone who enjoys Rhode Island's network of state parks, beaches, and public outdoor spaces has a responsibility to keep them clean. Consistent with this ethic, DEM continues to encourage visitors to adhere to the carry-in/carry-out trash policy that has been in effect since 1992.

Our State's spectacular beaches, parks, and green spaces offer a dazzling diversity of experiences with 8,200 acres of parkland, 1,000 campsites, 400 miles of hiking and biking trails, 200 fishing spots, 25 parks, management areas, and nature preserves, and eight saltwater beaches. They attract more than 9 million Rhode Islanders and tourists a year.

The point of our carry-in/carry-out policy is for visitors to take personal responsibility, take their trash with them, and leave no trace behind. We agree with the National Park Service and most state park systems across the country that this is a best practice because it promotes conservation, fosters a sense of stewardship, and leads to better visitor experiences. Show your love for our natural spaces by doing your part to keep them clean. Carry out what you carry in!

Clean Beaches

More than 1 million patrons visit state beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day every year, and the sheer volume of customers during peak season inevitably strains services and creates challenges related to trash management. DEM rangers clean up trash on beaches and in the parking lots throughout the day; after hours, DEM beach-cleaning contractors send out crews to pick trash. By the next morning, contractors send other crews out combing the beaches and parking lots along with tractor rakes cleaning up excess litter and seaweed and smoothing the sand for the new day.

The top three categories of trash collected in beach cleanups in Rhode Island in 2018 were plastic and foam pieces less than 2.5 centimeters (so-called "tiny trash"), accounting for 28% of all beach litter; smoking-related litter consisting of cigarette butts, wrappers, and cigar tips constituting 25% of the total trash; and drinking-related trash at 23%, according to Save The Bay. The trash collected in the third category was plastic bottles, glass bottles, cans, caps, plastic straws, lids, and stirrers.

In an effort to invest in and celebrate the state park system, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) continues work to improve trash and recycling services at state beaches and reduce litter in parks, beaches, and parking areas. Visitors are encouraged to bring waste-free lunches and reusable meal and drink containers to the beach to help reduce the negative impacts of ugly and unsanitary trash on shorelines.

Smoke-free beaches

The RI Department of Environmental Management and the RI Department of Health ask all visitors to refrain from using tobacco at Rhode Island state beaches to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and litter from tobacco use.

Lung health is important now more than ever. Smoke-free spaces are key when protecting your lungs. The associated litter from smoking is also a threat to children, wildlife, and the environment. We ask for your participation in helping to keep our beaches clean, healthy, and smoke-free.

If you are concerned about active smoking activity at a state beach, report it to a Park Ranger or the Beach Manager located at the beach pavilion. Please do not report non-emergency activity to lifeguards.

Success Story Example

Pilot Program at Misquamicut State Beach

As part of an effort to invest in and celebrate the state park system, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is working to improve trash and recycling services at state beaches and reduce litter in parks, beaches, and parking areas. At Misquamicut, is testing a new approach in collaboration with the Town of Westerly to address the problem of excessive trash left on the beach and in the parking lot. DEM positions dumpsters and recycling bins at beach entry points and the main pavilion during the summer season.

Misquamicut visitors – 80% of whom are from out-of-state – have access to these dumpsters to deposit trash and recyclables as they exit the beach and return to their vehicles. DEM added additional seasonal employees at Misquamicut to monitor the containers and clean up trash on beaches and in the parking lots throughout the day; after hours, DEM beach-cleaning contractors send out crews to pick trash. By the next morning, contractors send other crews out combing the beaches and parking lots along with tractor rakes cleaning up excess litter and seaweed and smoothing the sand for the new day.

Show your love for Misquamicut State Beach by doing your part to keep it clean. Dispose of your trash in the receptacles! Taking responsibility for our waste promotes conservation, fosters a sense of stewardship, and leads to better visitor experiences. Keeping our natural spaces clean is up to all of us so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Tips for Families and Individuals:

Pledge 5 is a call to action to make five small changes in your everyday life to make a change to help limit our impact on the environment. There are many ways you can help, and it's easier than you think! Rhode Island DEM has created a list that can help you get started. Choose five changes or commitments you can make for the better. Then pledge to practice those five changes in your everyday life. If you're already doing some, choose five new things to do. Small actions add up in a big way – One person, one family, one community, one workforce, one State can work together to help our environment.

Need more inspiration? Protecting our planet starts with you! You can make plenty of small changes from the safety and comfort of home — like reducing plastic consumption and waste —  to be greener.

Kitchen

  • Start composting: When you compost, you cut down on waste and what you have leftover you can use to fertilize your garden. Deposit food scraps into a bin and empty them once a week. Coffee is a rich nitrogen source for plants, both indoor and outdoor. Outside, sprinkle old coffee grounds around your plants, working the old coffee grounds into the mulch — the coffee grounds can help keep slugs and other plant pests away, too.
  • Prevent Food Waste: Plan your grocery shopping with your meals in mind. Make a shopping list and buy what you need. Prep foods when you get home from the market. Put new food behind older food in the refrigerator. Learn more about expiration dates and how to store fruits and vegetables for maximum freshness at RIRRC's site.
  • Ditch paper towels for cloth: Instead of buying more paper products, switch paper towels for cloth rags. You can make your rags out of old t-shirts.
  • Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three "R's" to conserve natural resources and landfill space.
  • Green your cleaning products: Don't send chemicals into our waterways. Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office. It's easy to make your own cleaning products out of vinegar, lemon, and water. When cleaning and sanitizing for COVID-19 purposes, make sure to use products approved by EPA for this purpose.
  • Choose sustainable food: Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.seafoodri.com.

Do Your Part, Be Septic Smart!

More than four billion gallons of wastewater are dispersed below the ground's surface every day. Groundwater contaminated by poorly or untreated household wastewater poses dangers to drinking water and the environment. Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals toxic to local waterways. When these pollutants are released into the ground, they eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, and more, harming local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Help protect the environment AND your home's property value; find tips for maintaining your septic system here!

Hygiene

  • Use sustainable beauty products: There are tons of new eco-friendly beauty brands. Using products that don't include harsh chemicals isn't just good for your skin; it's good for the earth!
  • Use less water: The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean. You can do your part by keeping your faucet low when you wash your face or by using a low-pressure showerhead. However, don't worry about conserving water by washing your hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place or blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Electronics

  • Purchase rechargeable batteries: Instead of tossing batteries when they're out of juice invest in some rechargeable batteries for your devices.
  • Use long-lasting light bulbs: Energy-efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also, flip the light switch off when you leave the room!
  • Unplug electronics: You will save tons of energy if you unplug electronics when they're not in use. Big TVs take up lots of energy and make your utility bill more expensive. Turning off items such as TVs and computers is good for your wallet and the environment.

Shopping

  • Reusable mug: If picking up coffee from your local coffee shop is part of your morning routine, make bringing your reusable mug part of the routine, too. Swapping out countless paper cups for a reusable one is a great way to go green.
  • Shop wisely: Single-use disposables such as plastic shopping bags, bottles, cups, and straws - along with items like six-pack rings and balloons - are unsightly, dangerous, and an all-too-familiar litter on land and in coastal waters. Buy less plastic.

Other Ideas

  • Recycle your car: You can donate your car to countless charities or recycle it at your local automotive recycling center. You could even receive a tax deduction for recycling your old vehicle. Find ways to properly dispose, reuse, or recycle all your household items at http://atoz.rirrc.org/
  • Buy a houseplant: Certain houseplants, like spider plants, help purify the air of harmful toxins. Put one in your bathroom, hallway — anywhere!
  • Plant a tree: Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.
  • Educate: When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.