In a recent government meeting, public comment highlighted significant concerns regarding the Solid Waste Policy Committee and its member, Denise Dreehaus. Carrie Davis, speaking via Zoom, urged Commission President Reese to remove Dreehaus from her position, citing her alleged collaboration with Rumpke, a waste management company, which has been accused of undermining stricter waste management rules in Hamilton County.

Davis pointed out that Rumpke recently opened a $100 million facility in Franklin County, which adheres to the strictest solid waste regulations in Ohio. This facility, she noted, not only created 460 jobs but also partnered with local educational institutions to provide training and scholarships for disadvantaged youth. In contrast, Davis claimed that Dreehaus facilitated the approval of more lenient rules in Hamilton County, which she argued would hinder local environmental efforts and recycling rates.

Davis further alleged that Dreehaus received donations from Rumpke and its legal representatives, suggesting a conflict of interest in her decision-making. She emphasized that while Franklin County charges Rumpke $6 per truckload for waste disposal, Hamilton County only receives $2, which she deemed unacceptable.

Following public comments, Vice President Dreehaus shared updates from her recent engagements, including attending community events and touring a new affordable housing project funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This project, located in Walnut Hills, aims to preserve affordable housing and is part of a broader initiative supported by various funding sources.

The meeting underscored ongoing tensions regarding waste management policies and the importance of community engagement in local governance.