University Heights launches six-month composting pilot as recycling climbs; Bike Month proclaimed

With Mayor Michael Brennan traveling on a regional delegation, Special Projects Director Deanna Bremer Fisher presented the Mayor’s report to Council on May 5 and highlighted several sustainability efforts underway.

Bremer Fisher said the city began a six-month drop-off composting pilot on May 1 in partnership with Rust Belt Riders and with grant support from the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District; residents can sign up on the city website through October 31. “Even before the postcards went out, 264 households have signed up,” Bremer Fisher said, adding that residents brought buckets to the ribbon-cutting and that the collected organics will be turned into nutrient-rich compost for local use.

Bremer Fisher also reported a large increase in recycling since the city upgraded to curbside automated recycling: from 16.67 tons in September 2024 (last month before upgrade) to 43.07 tons in April 2025. She described the Sustainable Home Fair and Arbor Day tree planting with Canterbury Elementary as community efforts to promote energy efficiency and tree stewardship; University Heights plans to co-host the Tree City Awards with John Carroll University in 2028.

Council approved Resolution 2025-20 proclaiming May 2025 Bike Month and Mr. Brian King noted the Ride of Silence on May 21, beginning at John Carroll University, to honor those injured or killed while riding.

Why it matters: The composting pilot and the sharp increase in recyclables indicate growing resident engagement with waste-reduction programs and may help guide future investments in residential compost pickup or other sustainability measures.

Next steps: The composting pilot runs through Oct. 31; staff will monitor participation and consider future expansion or residential pickup if successful. Information and registration are available at universityheights.com/bike-with-the-mayor and the city website’s composting page.