Ohio House passes bill to update solid waste, construction debris laws

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at addressing out-of-state waste, with a vote of 90-2.  

A key provision of the bill—Senate Bill 147—would allow for a new permissive and variable fee for construction and demolition debris to support health boards that have waste facilities within their territories. Boards of health can use these dollars to mitigate impacts to health, safety, and welfare. 

If passed, the bill would allow solid waste management districts to pass funds on to cities, counties, boards of health, municipalities and townships so they can mitigate impacts to health, safety and welfare. Counties also would be able to leave a solid waste management district via resolution by that county’s board of commissioners.

“This legislation is critical for the health and well-being of our communities,” says Gary Click, chairman of the House Community Revitalization Committee. “Ohioans are rightly concerned about their quality of life as a result of the waste coming into our state, and this commonsense bill is a direct response to their concerns.”

Senate Bill 147 now awaits a signature from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.