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A Strategic Blueprint for Advancing Recycling and Homeless Support in Ohio: Lessons from Michigan and Best Practices

I. Executive Summary

This report outlines a strategic blueprint for Ohio to implement a transformative dual initiative: a robust beverage container deposit system, commonly known as a "Bottle Bill," modeled after Michigan's highly successful program, and a complementary, comprehensive program designed to engage individuals experiencing homelessness in city cleanup efforts. This integrated approach aims to significantly enhance Ohio's environmental sustainability while simultaneously addressing critical social challenges by providing dignified employment, fostering stability, and integrating vital support systems for sobriety and housing.

The proposed initiatives are poised to deliver substantial benefits to Ohio. The enactment of a Bottle Bill is projected to dramatically reduce litter, divert millions of containers from landfills, conserve energy and natural resources, and generate a high-quality stream of recyclable materials that can bolster Ohio's circular economy. Concurrently, the structured employment program for homeless individuals will not only contribute directly to cleaner public spaces but also offer a pathway to economic independence, skill development, and long-term housing stability for a vulnerable population. The strategic allocation of unclaimed deposits from the Bottle Bill will provide a sustainable funding mechanism for both environmental initiatives and the social support programs, creating a synergistic model where environmental progress directly fuels social equity.

II. Introduction: The Vision for a Cleaner, More Inclusive Ohio

Ohio faces pressing challenges in waste management and addressing the complexities of homelessness. While the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledges the importance of recycling for waste reduction and supporting local businesses, the state's infrastructure, though rated a "B-" in solid waste, still sees over 700,000 tons of recyclable materials diverted to landfills annually in central Ohio alone. Concurrently, the increasing visibility and impact of homelessness in urban centers necessitate innovative and sustainable solutions that go beyond traditional emergency services.

This report posits that these two seemingly disparate challenges can be addressed synergistically, creating a more sustainable and equitable Ohio. A robust container deposit system, by incentivizing the return of beverage containers, generates a significant and high-quality stream of recyclable materials. This system also creates a direct, tangible economic opportunity for individuals to collect and redeem these containers. By formalizing and structuring this activity into a supported employment program for those experiencing homelessness, Ohio can transform an informal survival mechanism into a dignified pathway to stability. This approach not only provides immediate income and purpose but also facilitates access to critical social services, including housing and addiction treatment, thereby addressing the root causes of homelessness while simultaneously cleaning up communities and enhancing recycling rates. The report aims to provide a comprehensive, actionable blueprint for Ohio policy.

Full Plan in Link https://g.co/gemini/share/da253d0c41d2