Resources for Residents

Learn more about area resources and programs to help residents become more sustainable.

Composting

Residents can sign up for a Community Supported Composting program offered by Rust Belt Riders, which composts all household food scraps and BPI Certified products. Learn more.
Residents may also install compost bins in their yards. Please note, a one-time, $5 permit (PDF) is required. Learn to compost at a Cuyahoga Recycles Composting Workshop.
Residential yard waste (grass, leaves, etc.) is composted by the City. View the guidelines for preparing your yard waste for collection by City crews.
Leave the Leaves:
- Instead of raking (or blowing) leaves to the tree lawn each fall, consider leaving all or some of your leaves in place to provide important habitat for beneficial insects, including butterflies and other pollinators.
- Additionally, residents can mulch mow leaves into their lawn, which is a great way to fertilize your lawn naturally (and for free).

Energy Savings Programs

Get help reducing your home’s energy usage and save money. Programs include free or low-cost energy audits and rebates to help pay for upgrades (like attic or wall insulation). Audits typically include LED light bulbs and other energy-saving products at no additional cost. Specifically:

Learn about energy audits from First Energy
Learn about energy audits from Dominion East Ohio
Learn about incentive and rebate programs from First Energy
Learn about First Energy’s Community Connections, which provides income-eligible customers with a free energy-use evaluation and energy-saving home improvements.

Recycling

View the City’s recycling guidelines. Request free recycling buckets by calling 216-491-1410. Learn more about recycling in our region at Cuyahoga Recycles.

Residents residing in apartment buildings that do not provide recycling services may bring their recyclables to the Service Center (15600 Chagrin Blvd.) on Saturdays and Sundays, 8 am-4 pm.

Renewable Energy

Electricity

Shaker residents in the City’s electric aggregation program — offered by NOPEC — are automatically enrolled in a "Standard Program" plan that comes from 87% fossil fuel and nuclear power and only 13% from renewable sources such as wind and solar. But for a minimal additional charge, residents can request that NOPEC switch them to one of their 100% renewable products (such as NOPEC’s “Standard program + 100% renewable content”) by calling 855-667-3201. A typical Shaker home on a 100% plan will produce about three tons less greenhouse gases per year, according to ohiogreenelectricityproject.org, a local grassroots organization.

Residents can compare available electric suppliers, including those that offer 100 percent renewable power, at the Energy Choice Website.

Solar

Shaker Heights is a solar-friendly community. The following resources are available to help residents get started:

Read the Planning Dept.'s solar installation guide to learn more about the process of installing solar in Shaker Heights.
Join the Solar in Shaker Facebook group to ask questions of residents who have already completed solar installations.
Make an appointment with an expert member of the City's Sustainability Committee to receive a free exterior inspection of your property and advice about the feasibility of solar.

Stormwater

Residents who take certain steps to reduce storm water run off on their property are eligible to receive a credit on their monthly bill from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.

Make a rain barrel at one of the many workshops offered by the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District.

Transportation

Bicycles

Shaker is one of just 13 communities in Ohio to be designated as a Bike Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Learn where to bicycle in Shaker or download county bike maps at NOACA.

Electric Vehicles

There are three EV charging stations in Shaker Heights (and two more in the works). They are at:

City Hall at 3400 Lee Rd.
The Dealership, 3558 Lee Rd.
First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, 21600 Shaker Blvd.
City-owned parking lot on Larchmere Blvd. (spring 2021).
Thornton Park (spring 2021).

The EV chargers installed by the City (at City Hall, The Dealership, Thornton Park and Larchmere) are AC Level 2, capable of supplying up to 7.2kW through the industry-standard J-1772 connector. All electric vehicles can use this connector (including Tesla with its adapter).

Public Transportation

The City of Shaker Heights enjoys a variety of public transportation options, including two light rail lines (the Blue Line with service between Tower City and Warrensville-Van Aken and the Green Line with service between Tower City and Green Road). Get maps and details at Ride RTA.

Trees

Help restore Northeast Ohio's tree canopy by planting trees on your property. Heights Tree People is collaborating with the City to help homeowners select and plant front-yard trees. The service is free. Email Heights Tree People for additional information.