Out-of-state trash shipments to Ohio dip

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio still has a welcome mat out for other states’ trash, though officials say the amount has declined due to the trouble in the economy.

The state’s landfills accepted 3.4 million tons of out-of-state garbage in 2008, down from the peak of 3.7 million tons in 2006, according to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. Most went to seven of Ohio’s 41 landfills.

The drop means less revenue from fees imposed by the state and local garbage districts.

When the economy falters, people and businesses tend to produce less waste, said Ohio EPA trash expert Andrew Booker.

Most recently, rubbish from other states comprised about 16 percent of the garbage going into Ohio landfills.

Ohio received trash from 20 states in 2008, Booker said.

The biggest sender was New York, which sent 1.1 million tons, about 32 percent of the out-of-state trash. New Jersey was second, sending 852,300 tons, about a quarter of the imported trash.