Residents of Shaker Heights gather to launch the program at the Shaker Library.
We’re thrilled to announce that Rust Belt Riders has officially launched municipal-wide composting services in the City of Shaker Heights, Ohio! This marks an exciting step forward in our mission to help communities reduce food waste and nourish the soil—and Shaker Heights is leading the charge with energy, enthusiasm, and innovation.
The response from residents has been incredible: Over 700 households signed up before the official launch, showing just how ready this community is to embrace a more sustainable future.
Our launch began with a big moment—we had the honor of watching Mayor David Weiss become the very first person to use one of our new compost drop-off bins at the Shaker Heights Public Library. These bins are state-of-the-art and unlike any compost bin in our service so far.
Mayor David Weiss deposits the first food scraps into the bins at Shaker Library
Each bin is designed with accessibility and cleanliness in mind. Residents can open the bin using a keypad code and deposit their food scraps using a hands-free foot pedal—a thoughtful, user-friendly solution for composting on the go.
These library isn’t the only site for the program but so is every elementary school throughout the city, making it easy and convenient for families to get involved.
This collaboration with the City of Shaker Heights reflects what we believe is the future of sustainability—public-private partnerships that empower communities to take control of their food waste and make a measurable environmental impact.
As noted in the City’s October 2023 Mayor’s Report, Shaker Heights is committed to educating residents about the environmental benefits of composting and the importance of integrating sustainable practices into daily life. This initiative exemplifies the city's dedication to fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
To the residents of Shaker Heights: thank you for welcoming us into your community and for stepping up to be part of the solution. Let’s feed people, not landfills—together.