Ohio bottle-deposit effort cleared at single issue

COLUMBUS (AP) — Backers can begin collecting signatures for an Ohio proposal to create a refundable deposit on glass, metal, plastic and other containers.

The Ohio Ballot Board decided today that the proposal contained a single issue. That means supporters can now begin gathering the roughly 385,000 valid signatures required to put it before voters.

If successful, the constitutional amendment would direct the Legislature to create a 5- to 10-cent refundable deposit on certain containers and designate locations where they could be returned for refunds. The so-called “Bottle Bill” also outlines rules for businesses along with a possible fine that could be imposed if they violate the amendment.

The Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Ohio Grocers Association and Ohio Restaurant Association oppose the proposal and have called it a tax.