Findlay Times

The Ohio Senate recently approved Senate Bill 147, proposed by Senator Bill Reineke of Tiffin. This legislation grants counties the authority to have citizen oversight when opting out of a joint solid waste district. Senator Reineke emphasized the bill is in response to the concerns of local constituents and community leaders regarding their health and quality of life.

"This bill is a direct response to my constituents and community leaders who are tired of being unheard and who have drastic concerns for their health and quality of life," Reineke stated. He also noted, "For many years, local voices have been ignored in landfill decisions - local impacts make a difference. This affects my constituents' home and this bill will provide much-needed community oversight over something that is in their backyard."

Under this bill, Solid Waste Management Districts have the authority to impose a fee on the disposal of construction and demolition waste. The revenue from these fees will aid health boards in enforcing waste management laws and addressing related public health, safety, and welfare issues. There is also a provision for counties to separate from a solid waste district if deemed beneficial for their residents.

The bill was unanimously passed in the Senate with a 33-0 vote and will now move to the Ohio House for review.