COLUMBUS, Ohio — In an effort to address the escalating issue of out-of-state trash disposal in Ohio, Senate Bill 119 is under deliberation among lawmakers.

However, it's stirring up concerns among local communities and businesses. The bill aims to bolster local government oversight on Ohio landfills.

Senate bill 119 has potential language in its current form that could increase charges for companies seeking waste disposal services within the state. 

What You Need To Know

  • SB 119 is sponsored by State Senator Bill Reineke who says out-of-state dumping is problematic to Ohio

  • The bill aims to bolster government oversight on Ohio landfills 

  • Sen. Reineke is working to fix language to the bill if needed 

State Sen. Bill Reineke, who is a sponsor of the bill, emphasized the gravity of the out-of-state dumping problem.

"We are the destination for a much trash coming from the East Coast, and we need to recognize and be aware of what we can do with accumulating that trash and recycling it," Reineke said. 

The legislation would require all entities to pay if they want to dump trash in the Buckeye State. The goal is to minimize the amount of waste dumped in Ohio.

"Just looking out for our health needs and constituents are concerned about the air we breathe and the water we drink," Reineke said. 

However, not everyone supports this move, as it could imply a cost increase for Ohioans, along with out-of-state entities.

Ben Nutter, spokesperson for Win Waste Innovations, expressed concerns about the bill's potential impact on prices.

"The interstate commerce clause doesn't allow us to discriminate against our customers based on where they're from," said Nutter.

Nutter explained the proposed fee increases could negatively impact their customers, primarily and disproportionately those in Ohio.

"One of the reasons that Win Waste Innovations has invested in Ohio is because of the regulatory certainty that Ohio has always maintained. And in this particular instance, this bill would undermine that regulatory certainty by changing the rules after the investment has been made," Nutter said. 

Despite the resistance, Senator Reineke is open to revising the bill's language and listening to further testimony in committee hearings. 

"We're taking a look at the figure to be increased. Trying to keep increases to a minimum, or none at all, but we need to provide adequate oversight," Reineke said.

As discussions continue, Senate Bill 119 is scheduled for another committee hearing next week.

The outcome of these deliberations could reshape waste disposal practices in Ohio.