Sustainability in Westerville | City of Westerville, OH

Environmental sustainability is one of the three lenses the City of Westerville uses to achieve safe and vibrant neighborhoods, connected and engaged residents, an authentic and alive Uptown and a thriving business climate. Westerville has many environmental and sustainable programs and projects underway that demonstrate this commitment and strong public support for sustainability programs/efforts.

Save More Than Food Campaign

The City is excited to participate in the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio and the Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative’s #SaveMoreThanFood campaign. Reducing food waste helps residents and businesses save money and preserves valuable natural resources for future generations. Through easy-to-implement solutions, like improving food storage practices and donating safe items to food rescue organizations, the City aims to help cut food waste in the region in half by 2030.

As part of this initiative, the City strives to increase the utilization of its robust Food Waste Composting program. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, composting is nature’s way of recycling and is also one of the most powerful actions community members can take to reduce trash in landfills and build healthy soil. Visit our Food Waste Composting page to learn how to get started.

Learn more about the campaign and access additional resources, including the Food Storage Guide at savemorethanfood.org.

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Recent Sustainability Statistics

In the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the City of Westerville collected the following:

5,726 pounds of holiday lights weighing (10 cubed pallets)
2,952 pounds of batteries
814 pounds of e-waste (enough material to fill a semi trailer)
499 pounds of light bulbs

During the May 2024 Household Hazardous Waste drive, the City collected the following materials:

31,770 pounds of flammables, toxins and corrosive chemicals
15,000 pounds of electronics
2,600 pounds of used tires

Recycling and Composting

Zero Waste Plan: The City assembled a “Green Team” to help develop Westerville’s Zero Waste Plan. The plan is partially funded by a $30,000 grant from the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO).

Recycle Right: Using the City’s curbside recycling program effectively can help divert items from landfills.

Battery and Bulb Recycling: Batteries and light bulbs can be dropped off at the Westerville Electric Division (WED) at 139 E. Broadway Ave. for Battery and Bulb Recycling.

Holiday Light Recycling: Hosted annually by WED, this program helps remove inefficient holiday lights from the “grid” and ensures they are safely recycled.

Food Waste Composting: The success of the City’s drop-off food waste composting program is undeniable with nearly than 600,000 lbs of materials composted. For pumpkin composting, look for notices about drop off locations after Oct. 31.

Hazardous Waste: Hosted twice a year, the City’s Household Hazardous Waste Collections provide opportunities for residents to safely dispose of flammable, toxic and reactive materials.

Nest Rush Hour Rewards

Support Renewable Energy

Power Up EV Charging Stations (Residents + Businesses)

The City is working to increase the availability of electric vehicle charging stations within the community by offering incentives to office workplace, retail, hotel, institutional, industrial and multi-family property owners who install qualified charging stations.

Residents are invited to "PowerUp at Home." The program is designed to promote smart residential EV charging by offering a reduced electric rate for EV charging during off-peak hours.

Solar Panel Program (Businesses)

BusinessWISE (Businesses)

Water Conservation and Free Trees

Westerville Community Backyards: Help reduce water pollution by getting a $50 rebate on a native tree, plant, or $250 off a rain garden, or $30 compost bin. Learn more on the Community Backyards webpage.
- Note: Westerville contracts with Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District for this program).

Litter Cleanups: Litter is an eyesore, threat to wildlife, threat to vehicle traffic safety, and 50% of it ends up in, or along, waterways. The City loans out for free litter grabbers, safety vests, gloves, and trash bags to groups interested in holding a litter cleanup.

City Within a Park: Westerville is known as a tree city. In fact, it has had the Tree City designation for over 45 years. Visit the Urban Forestry page to learn more about the City's designation and the Heritage Tree program.

Transportation

Partners

The City’s success is due to internal and external stakeholders. The city is proud to partner with Westerville City Schools, Otterbein University, Safex, JP Morgan Chase, Lynn Law, Westerville Public Library, Sustainable Westerville, Sunrise Rotary Club, Worthington Industries, Rumpke, SWACO and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.