Sustainable Lakewood | The City of Lakewood, Ohio

Sustainable Lakewood

Refuse, recycling, clean water, energy efficiency


The city of Lakewood supports sustainability efforts that preserve the environment and conserve energy. Think waste, refuse, recycling initiatives. Likewise, we encourage residents to consider ways to reduce their carbon footprints and improve energy efficiency in their homes.

Getting started is easy. In fact, many of the initial small changes residents can make won’t require costly updates and carry long-term, cost-saving benefits.

Review the links below for more information on the City’s work to increase its sustainability — as well as other local efforts — and ways you can live a more environmentally friendly, energy-efficient lifestyle.

Sustainability Strategies

  • Doing our part for sustainability+-

    Lakewood’s “Green Refuse and Recycling Initiative,” implemented in 2009, automated the City’s refuse collection system and mandated recycling at properties that receive municipal refuse collection. Automated refuse collection is the most efficient and cost effective system available today, and mandatory recycling participation saves tax dollars by reducing disposal costs and conserves natural resources. This Initiative provides efficient and cost-effective services while providing long-term economic and environmental benefits to the community.

    For more about the Refuse Rules and Regulations , click here.

  • Residential Curbside Collection+-

    The City of Lakewood Division of Refuse and Recycling provides once-per-week curbside service for the collection of household refuse, bulk items, recyclables and yard waste to properties with one through four household units.

    Please see map below to find your collection day:

    Screen-Shot-2015-07-15-at-11.15.40-AM

    Multi-unit properties with five or more units are responsible for contracting refuse collection however the City of Lakewood collects furniture and other large bulk items.  Recycling for these units can be dropped off at the Berea Road facility from 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

    The Director of Public Safety adopts Rules and Regulations for the placement of refuse, trash, bulk waste, yard waste and recyclables in a manner that will promote collection efficiency and the protection of the quality of neighboring properties.

    Any violation of any rule or regulation may result in the property owner being charged for the actual cost of such work or the administrative cost incurred for the enforcement of such rule or regulation. Property owners are responsible for making sure their tenants are aware of and comply with Rules and Regulations. Ord. 1777.02

    Collection Hours

    Regular Collection Hours: Monday through Friday – 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    *Holiday Collection Hours and days of collection are subject to change to accommodate collection in four instead of five days. Please refer to the Holiday Collection Schedule.

    Setout Hours: Between 6:00 p.m. the night before collection and 6:00 a.m. on the day of collection. Please refer to the Holiday Collection Schedule directions for set out hours during holiday weeks.

    Empty Refuse and Recycle Carts must be removed from the curb by the end of each collection day.

    Early and late set outs are violations of Ordinance 1777.01 and may result in collection fees charged to the property owner.

    Drop off hours

    Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
    Saturday:    8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    ***Limited to Lakewood residents using their personal vehicles – NO TRAILERS OR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ALLOWED ON SATURDAY.

  • Green Refuse and Recycling Initiative+-

    Have a look at this PDF to get the scoop about all the ins-and-outs of the city’s Green Refuse and Recycling Initiative. This document covers everything from disposing of construction materials and hazardous waste (such as paint) to obtaining an additional cart.

    The drop-off facility is located at 12920 Berea Road. Please call 216-252-4322 for any additional information.

    • Appliance & Metal Collection
    • Automated & Bulk Refuse Collection
    • Holiday Collection Schedules
    • Recycling Guidelines
    • Refuse FAQs
    • Yard Waste Guidelines
    • Multi-Unit Properties: Multi-unit properties with five or more units are responsible for contracting refuse collection however the City of Lakewood collects furniture and other large bulk items.  Recycling for these units can be dropped off at the Berea Road facility from 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
    • Public can collection: Refuse and Recycling Division employees manually collect from more than 200 curbside public street cans each week. The City’s new, large capacity, automated collection street cans save time and reduce litter. Please notify the Refuse and Recycling Division if you see an overflowing public street can.

  • Learn more about the city's green initiative+-

  • Holiday Collection Schedules+-

    Holidays observed by the City of Lakewood may affect refuse and recycling collection schedules. The Division of Refuse and Recycling does not collect on Saturday or Sunday. If a holiday falls on Saturday, the holiday is observed on the Friday before; if a holiday falls on Sunday, the holiday is observed on Monday.

    The Division of Refuse and Recycling does not collect refuse or recyclables on the following observed holidays.

    Holiday Day Observed Date Observed

    New Year’s Day Monday January 1, 2024
    Martin Luther King Day Monday January 15, 2024
    Presidents’ Day Monday February 19, 2024
    Easter Monday Monday April 1, 2024
    Memorial Day Monday May 27, 2024
    Juneteenth Wednesday June 19, 2024
    Independence Day Thursday July 4, 2024
    Labor Day Monday September 2, 2024
    Thanksgiving Day Thursday November 28, 2024
    Christmas Wednesday December 25, 2024

     

    During these holiday weeks, set-out all collections, including Refuse Carts, Bulk Trash, Recyclables, and Yard Waste, by 6:00 a.m. on the recommended day listed below to assure collection. Late set-outs may not be collected, or if they are, the property owner could be charged for the collection.

    When a holiday is observed on Monday:
    Monday collections will be on Tuesday. Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, and Friday collections, be ready for collection by 6:00 a.m. on the regular day.

    When a holiday is observed on Tuesday:
    Monday collection will be on Monday. Tuesday collection will be on Wednesday. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday collections, be ready by 6:00 a.m. on the regular day.

    When a holiday is observed on Wednesday:
    Monday and Tuesday collections are on the regular day. Wednesday collections will be on Thursday. Thursday and Friday collections, be ready by 6:00 a.m. on the regular day.

    When a holiday is observed on Thursday:
    Monday collection will be on Monday. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday collections, be ready by 6:00 a.m. on the day before the regular day. Friday collection is on Friday.

    When a holiday is observed on Friday:
    Monday collection will be on Monday. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday collections, be ready by 6:00 a.m. on the day before the regular day. Friday collection is on Thursday.

  • Refuse & Recycling FAQs+-

    Q:        Where is the City’s Refuse & Recycling location and how do I contact them? 

    A:        Division Refuse & Recycling, 12920 Berea Rd., Cleveland, OH 44111, (216) 252-4322. Open:  Monday – Friday – 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM and Saturday – 8:00 AM – Noon PM 

    Q:        What if I miss my collection?  

    A:        Save it for the next collection day or bring it to the Drop-Off Facility on Berea Road. If the City receives a complaint and has to collect improperly placed refuse or debris from a tree lawn, the property owner may be charged a minimum $100.00 collection fee. 

    Q:        What doesn’t the City collect from the curb?  

    A:        For disposal information call (216) 252-4322.

    • Materials or debris left by contractors. Contractors are responsible for their own disposal.
    • Improperly contained or bundled materials.
    • Recyclables or yard waste set out in garbage cans or recycle bins.
    • Household Hazardous Waste, Tires, Motor Oil, Liquids, Paint, Solvents, Fluorescent tubes or CFL bulbs, Computers and computer equipment. 

    Q:        What should I do when it snows?  

    A:        Keep trash carts and recycling unburied from snow banks, clear of ice, and accessible to collectors. Place carts in a cleared driveway apron or shovel a level shelf into the snow bank, no higher than six (6”) inches from the ground for stability and safe lifting. Or set the cart out the following week once the weather improves.

    Q:        How should I dispose of hypodermic needles, syringes, and other “sharps”? 

    A:        Contain hypodermic needles and syringes in a purchased “Sharps” container or a rigid, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container with a tight fitting lid, i.e. detergent or bleach bottle, two (2) liter pop or juice bottle, or coffee can (with lid taped closed.) Mark container “SHARPS” and place inside the refuse cart or bring to the Division Drop-off Facility for disposal. Do not place loose sharps in the garbage. 

    Q:        Can I mark my City-provided refuse cart with my address?   

    A:        Discrete and removable decals may be placed on the cart to identify the address or unit number. Spray painting numbers on the carts is not allowed.

    Q:        What shouldn’t I put in the refuse cart? 

    A:        Recyclables, yard waste, dirt, stone, concrete, or building materials. Also, things we do not collect from the curb such as household hazardous waste, oil based paint, chemicals, pesticides, motor oil, liquids, tires, dead animals, and hot ashes.

    Q:        What if my cart is damaged or stolen?  

    A:        The carts are registered by serial number to a specific address and come with a ten (10) year manufacturer’s warranty against defects. The homeowner/resident is responsible for each cart. Contact the Refuse Department immediately at (216) 252-4322 for replacement details.

    Q:        How should I dispose of my unwanted medicine?  

    A:        Cuyahoga County has a Rx Drug Drop Box Program. Details about this program can be found at: www.rxdrugdropbox.org  The City of Lakewood has a drop-box located in the Lakewood Police Department lobby at 12650 Detroit Avenue.

    • Unwanted medicine is any prescribed or over-the-counter medication that is expired or no longer needed for medical treatment.
    • Never flush unwanted medicine. Previously, people were instructed to flush unwanted medicine down the drain. This is no longer advised because we now know that flushing medicine can harm the environment. Wastewater treatment plants and septic systems cannot remove pharmaceutical compounds from the waste water so these chemicals pass through treatment plants or septic systems into Lake Erie, the source of our drinking water. These pharmaceutical compounds also pose a risk to aquatic organisms.
    • Dispose with your household trash. Unwanted medicine should be disposed with your household trash after taking the following precautions. These precautions will ensure the safety of children and animals and prevent misuse of the medicine:
    • Keep the medicine in its original container. You may want to remove the label or conceal patient information or drug information with a marker.
    • Before placing in the trash, make the medicine unusable by mixing in some coffee grounds or dissolving the pills with water and sealing the original container with tape. Liquid medicine should be placed in a sealed plastic bag.
    • Place the container in durable packaging that masks the contents, such as a brown cardboard box.
    • Place the medicine on your trash as close to your garbage pick-up day as possible.
    • Wait for a free collection event. Some local organizations hold free collection events for unwanted medicines. To locate an event near you, log onto rxdrugdropbox.org or www.drugawarenessandprevention.com or www.disposemymeds.org

    Q:        How should I dispose of paint?  

    A:

    • Drop-off Oil Based Paint off at the Division of Refuse and Recycling Drop-off Facility at 12920 Berea Road. Oil based paint is Household Hazardous Waste.
    • Dry out latex paint. Latex paint is NOT hazardous waste and is comprised mostly of water, so must be dried out and disposed as trash.
    • To solidify latex paint: Allow the paint to dry by removing the lid and allowing liquids to evaporate over several days. This works well for small amounts (an inch or two in the bottom of the can).  Mix liquid paints with an equal amount of an absorbent material in the paint can or in a cardboard box lined with plastic. Leave open to the air to dry. Use cat litter, Fullers Earth, vermiculite or similar drying agent. Allow the paint to dry one layer at a time until all paint has hardened. When thoroughly dry, place the open paint can or box on the curb the night before your regular collection day or bring to the Drop-Off Facility. Leave the lids off so the waste collector can see the paint is hardened.
    • DO NOT dump paint on the ground or down storm drains where it will travel directly to surface and/or ground waters.
    • DO NOT pour it down the drain. While small amounts of latex paint can safely be washed down the drain, this practice should be kept to a minimum. Limit this to brush cleaning and clean-up.
    • DO NOT dispose of liquids in the trash. It may be released from the can when trash is compacted and may seep out of a waste collection vehicle onto your street.

    Q:        I live on the parking side of the street. Where should I put my refuse cart?  

    A:        Place refuse carts (serial number and lid opening facing the street) next to the street in the driveway apron, or at the corner of the driveway apron and tree lawn, where vehicles cannot legally park.

    • Cars cannot legally park closer than three (3’) foot from the edge of the driveway apron.

    Q:        How do I find out how to dispose of or recycle all of the other items I want to get rid of? 

    A:        The City of Lakewood follows the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District’s recycling and disposal program. You may search the many items you might want to dispose of and find instructions for proper disposal by going to the following link:  http://cuyahogarecycles.org/

    Q:        How should I dispose of a mattress, box spring, carpet roll(s) or other upholstered furniture items?

    A:      All mattresses, box springs, carpet (taped or tied 4’ rolls) and any upholstered furniture, (all MUST be wrapped & sealed in plastic mattress bags). Place on tree lawn on your scheduled collection day. Bags are sold at the Drop-Off Facility for $3/each (cash, credit or debit).

    If you have further questions you may contact the Division of Refuse at: (216) 252-4322.

  • Leaf Pick Up+-

    The annual fall leaf collection program begins in November and continues for a minimum of three collections over a six week period. This schedule will generally be adjusted to account for interfering weather conditions. Leaves and other yard wastes are collected at other times throughout the year when residents place them in the standard paper yard waste bags on the regular refuse collection days.

    Click here for 2023 Leaf Collection Schedule.

  • Composting+-

    Composting

    The city of Lakewood encourages residents to compost. Here are some tips:

    Composting ordinance

    How Composting Works

    Things to Compost

    Click here to learn more about composting.

  • Energy Efficiency+-

    Dominion East Ohio Home Performance with Energy Star

    This program takes a comprehensive approach to help boost your home’s comfort and long-term value, while keeping your energy bills in check. The program includes a:

    • Home energy assessment by a certified auditor to evaluate your home and learn more about how it is using—and wasting—energy. Also includes free installation of several energy-efficient products. Cost is $50 ($25 for assessments scheduled through August 31, 2016).
    • Customized report with recommendations on how to lower your energy bills and a list of participating, qualified contractors to perform any upgrades. Rebates up to $1,250 are available.

    Call 877-287-3416 to schedule an assessment. Visit Dominion East Ohio online for more information.

    NOPEC Programs

    The Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) is an organization of local governments in northeast Ohio that work cooperatively to provide cost savings for individual customers. The city of Lakewood participates as a NOPEC community, promoting environmental awareness and cost savings for the community through its electric service aggregation program.

    NOPEC Connect
    In 2016, NOPEC launched NOPEC Connect, a pilot program designed to help up to 500 NOPEC customers improve their electric energy efficiency. NOPEC Connect participants must have a myNOPEC account and agree to participate in monthly market research, provide honest feedback, and remain a NOPEC member for their electric supply until December 2019. In exchange, participants receive:

      • Programmable Thermostat ($150 value) – automatically adjusts temperature to your specific settings and can be remotely accessed through a myNOPEC account
      • Smart Plug ($45 value) – an outlet attachment that enables you to turn a plug on and off either manually or by logging into myNOPEC
      • NOPEC Connect Gateway ($150 value) – a router that communicates with the programmable thermostat and smart plug through its own wifi signal
      • One-year free NOPEC Connect service ($240 value)

    Watch a short NOPEC Connect video to learn more about enrolling in the program.

    Utility Company Energy Incentive Programs

    Consider participating in local energy incentive programs, including First Energy/The Illuminating Company’s online home energy analyzer which helps residents gain a better understanding of household energy use.

    Cuyahoga County Community Toolkit

    The Cuyahoga County Department of Sustainability and the GreenCityBlueLake Institute of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History partnered to create Sustainable Cuyahoga, a toolkit which highlights community best practices in sustainability from around Northeast Ohio.

    Solarize Cleveland

    Solarize Cleveland is part of a national campaign launched in 2015 by the World Wildlife Fund in partnership with the National Geographic Society, Johnson & Johnson, Cisco, 3M, and Kimberly-Clark, and now backed by 23 corporate sponsors. The group enables all Ohio homeowners, not just Cleveland residents, to find major discounts and a variety of financing options for installing home solar, including a one-stop solar panel installation.

    Clean Energy Financing Hub

    The Hub brings financing for energy efficiency upgrades and solar projects at competitive rates to building owners—including small businesses, large commercial/industrial, local government, non-profit, and faith-based institutions—in Cuyahoga County.

    Cuyahoga County Hub Solar Financing makes solar effective and secures better pricing for area cities and non-profits by aggregating multiple solar installations across the County. The Hub also has cut the administrative, legal, and financing costs to make solar accessible for building owners who cannot capture solar tax benefits themselves. Explore financing from the program and get started on your solar project.

    Ohio Solar United Neighborhoods (OH SUN) Cuyahoga County Solar Co-op

    OH SUN helps Ohians organize solar co-ops to make going solar more affordable and accessible. The group is organizing a co-op in Cuyahoga County, which enables participants to save 15-30% off the system cost and build a network of solar supporters. Visit the Cuyahoga County Solar Co-op online for more information.

    NEORSD Stormwater Management Program Credit Workshops

    Attend a workshop to learn more about the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Stormwater Management Program and how you can reduce your stormwater fees through stormwater credits. Customers can obtain credit on their stormwater fees by taking measures to reduce the stormwater rate or volume flowing from their property into the regional stormwater system. Workshops are available on the website.

    For Kids

    It’s never too early to teach children to be mindful of their carbon footprint and to understand that their choices affect the environment. Encourage them to visit the following kid-friendly websites to explore ways to live an energy-efficient lifestyle:

    energy star
    Energy Star Kids
                     energykids
    Energy Information
    Administration Energy Kids
        usdoe
                US Dept. of Energy
    Science Education
  • Keeping, maintaining our tree canopy+-

    The City of Lakewood maintains all of the trees on public property, including those on tree lawns. Trees are removed when they are diseased or dead and pose a danger to the public. A certified urban forester supervises a crew of arborists who have all of the required equipment to trim branches, remove diseased trees including the stumps, plant new trees and shred the resulting wastes for recycling into mulch. Tree lawn trees are replaced according to a master reforestation plan. Mulch is available to Lakewood residents free of charge at the location near the Animal Shelter in the Rocky River valley. Logs are also available to residents for use as fire wood free of charge at the same location.

    As the city’s aging trees begin to die — many of them planted around the same time, 100 years ago — many of the warm and inviting canopies have disappeared.

    The city’s forestry department and Lakewood Tree Task Force have developed a comprehensive strategy to improve the tree canopy and add diversity to the variety of species around the city.

    In just two years, the organization has already helped plant dozens of trees at Madison and Lakewood parks, presented 19 recommendations to Lakewood City Council supporting tree legislation and worked with the city’s forestry department to plant nearly 600 trees around Lakewood.

    The city’s strategy also includes an effort to prepare the city for climate change, add diversity to the urban forest, withstand pest infestations and storms, and add in trees with more fall colors. More trees also means less storm water runoff.

    The Lakewood tree canopy has been assessed by satellite at 28.5 percent.

    The goal is to increase the tree canopy by 10 percent, to 33.5 percent by the year 2035.

    Want to contribute? The task force is encouraging residents to support its Gift-A-Tree initiative.

    For more on the city’s tree strategy, see the city’s two recent videos: Planting Trees in Lakewood and Lakewood Working With the Tree Task Force to Improve Tree Canopy.

  • More info about the city's tree canopy+-

  • Are you having water- and/or sewer-service related problems? Give us a call Monday through Friday (from 7:30 AM to 4 PM) at 216-529-1867; for after-business hours, weekends, or holidays call Lakewood Police Dispatch at 216-521-6773.

  • Water and Wastewater Collection FAQs+-

    Q:        Where does our drinking water come from? 

    A:        Lakewood contracts with the city of Cleveland for clean drinking water. 

    Q:        Is there information about the city of Lakewood water quality?

    A:        Yes.  The most recent City of Lakewood Water Quality Report may be found on the city’s website by clicking here.

    Annual water reports are typically issued to the city within six (6) months of the year end. Next water quality report expected to be issued by June one (1). 

    Q:        How does the city make sure the drinking water is safe? 

    A:

    • Cleveland has a state-of-the-art water treatment process which includes multiple barriers to protect public health.
    • Water Quality in Lakewood is checked on a regular basis as required by the EPA.
    • Lakewood checks for: disinfection, disinfection byproducts, pH levels and orthophosphates. The last of which keeps contaminants from leaching from the existing pipe lines into the water.
    • Cleveland uses filtration, alum, powdered activated carbon (PAC), Potassium Permanganate and chlorine to remove and treat for natural and man-made contaminants.
    • Corrosion control processes to ensure no lead gets into the water as it flows through distribution pipes under the street 

    Q:        If I am concerned about my water can I have it tested? 

    A:        If a homeowner is concerned about the water in their home, they can contact Lakewood’s Division of Water (216) 529-6820 to obtain a list of Ohio EPA approved laboratories certified at testing water for lead. 

    Q:        What does a sewer odor in my basement mean? 

    A:        Usually this means a dry floor drain. If the trap seal is even partially evaporated, sewer odors can enter the building. Especially in the winter, add a small bucket of water to each floor drain about once a week. Other possible causes are abandoned or not used plumbing fixtures and deteriorated vent pipes on the plumbing system. These pipes may be exposed or hidden in the building structure. You may need to consult a professional plumber. If you smell natural gas or feel that there is a danger, call the Lakewood Fire Department. 

    Q:        What if my water appears cloudy?  

    A:        Cloudy water is caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to gas bubbles in carbonated drinks. After a while the bubbles rise to the top and disappear. This happens more often in the winter time. 

    Q:        What if I have a concern about water quality?  

    A:        The official numbers for water quality information are: City of Cleveland Public Relations at (216) 664 2444 and the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (1-800) 426-4791.

  • Water and Sewer Billing FAQs+-

    Q:        Why are my bills so high?  

    A:        Though there could be many reasons for a higher-than-expected water bill, here are some of the most common:

    Leaks, toilets, faucets, humidifiers, pipes & joints and water cooled equipment.

    • Toilets are the most common problem and should be checked regularly to make sure they are operating properly. A moderate leak can go through about 12,000 gallons in a month. Many people think that a toilet always makes noise when it leaks; this is not true. The best way to check a toilet for leaks is visually (a flashlight and food coloring are very helpful.) If the handle sticks and you have to shake it to make it stop running, there is a leak.
    • Check overflow tube to make sure it is not running over all the time.
    • Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank (part against the wall) and let it set for 30 to 45 minutes. If colored water seeps into the toilet bowl, the flapper is not sealing properly. This makes the toilet refill itself.
    • Faucet leaks are usually obvious, but in addition to checking bathroom and kitchen sinks, be sure to check bathtubs, shower, and stationary tubs and hose connections.
    • Humidifiers operate in much the same way as do toilets, but usually there is a tube which runs to a drain; check there for running water.
    • Pipe & Joint leaks are obvious when they are in an open area, but can go unnoticed for a long time when they occur in a hidden area, like a crawl space, under a porch or underground.
    • Water-cooled equipment, usually used in commercial operations, can be huge consumers of water even when operating properly, and then can develop leaks which amplify the usage. Consideration should be given to replacing this equipment with air-cooled devices.

    Seasonal use: lawn sprinkling, car washing, swimming pools.

    • Lawn Sprinkling and other irrigation can add up tremendously, anywhere from five to twenty gallons per minute. Was it hot and dry during the reading period?
    • Car Washing doesn’t need to use up a lot of water; run the hose only when you’re rinsing.
    • Swimming Pools: Pool size and how often the water is renewed are key factors.

    Number of Occupants – Rule of Thumb – water use per person in one month:

    • Each person in a household uses between three and four units of water (a unit is 100 cubic feet, which is 748 gallons). There is no hard and fast rule in this regard: people vary greatly in their habits, but this rule of thumb gives you an idea of average. Water use usually increases significantly in warmer weather because of seasonal use, but also because of increased showering and clothes washing. Other considerations: company staying over during the reading period, or when children are home from school.
    • Days of service are usually 30 days, but there are times where it could be fewer or more days of service in the reading period.

     Q:       When is my bill being estimated? 

     A:       If there is a problem reading your meter, a door hanger is left at your property for you to call our office to set up an appointment to correct the problem. When there is no response, our metering department starts to estimate your water bills.

    Q:        How can I pay my water bill?  

    A:        There are several ways to pay your water bill:

    • In person at our office located at 12805 Detroit Avenue; You can pay by cash, check or credit card in our office, or deposit a check (no cash) into our drop box which is located under the second window from our door.
    • By phone with a Visa card, Master card or Discover card (Credit or Debit) by calling (216) 529-6820, Option 2.
    • Bank Draft payments can be set up with our office. Call (216) 529-6820, Option 2 for more information.
    • By mail; you may mail payments to our office or the PO Box listed on our bills. Your bank may also offer a bill paying program.

    Q:        Why are there two charges each for water & sewer on my bill?  

    A:        When there is a Water/ Sewer rate increase, the system breaks it down and prorates the charges. It will show the old rate and new rate charges for water and sewer. You will only see this on the first month of the rates changes. 

    Q:        Why didn’t I receive my bill this month?

    A:        There are three water zones in Lakewood. The bills for each zone are mailed the same day by our printer.

    • First, contact our office so we can verify that we have the correct mailing address for your bills.
    • Second, if the problem persists, contact your local post office to see if there is a problem on their end. 

    Q:        Where can I get help with paying my water bill?  

    A:        There are assistance programs to help you:

    • Step Forward Today: https://www.stepforwardtoday.org/energy-assistance-programs 
    • Cleveland Housing Network:  https://chnhousingpartners.org/utilityassistance/
    • Outreach (216) 226-9339
    • Youth / Lakewood Dept. of Human Services (216) 529-6870
    • Lakewood Community Service Center (216) 226-6466
    • First Call for Help (216) 436-2000
    • Cuyahoga Co. Health & Human Service Dept. of Children & Family Services (216) 431-4500
    • Veterans Service Commission-Cuyahoga County (216) 698-2621
    • Consumer Protection Association (216) 881-3434
    • Website for Help Site: www.211cleveland.org

    Q:        Who is responsible for paying the water / sewer bill in a lease situation?   

    A:        If you are a renter, usually the landlord provides water /hot water to the tenants. But you’ll need to check your lease or rental agreement to see if you are responsible.  If you have questions about your lease agreement, contact the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland at (216) 861-5955 or go to their website at: https://lasclev.org/get-help/housing/

    Q:        How do I qualify for Homestead Exemption?  

    A:        You may qualify for reduced water and sewer rates under the Homestead Exemption.

    • If you are the home owner, at least 65 years of age, live in the home and have income not more than $35,000.00 annually.
    • If you are the home owner, and totally disabled, live in the home and have income not more than $35,000.00 annually.

    You may contact our office for an application by calling (216) 529-6820,  You must renew annually.  Or an application is also available at:  http://www.tax.ohio.gov/portals/0/forms/real_property/dte_105a.pdf

    Q:        What is the summer sprinkling program and how do I qualify? 

    A:        The City of Lakewood Division of Water/WWC has adopted a Summer Residential Sprinkling Program for homeowners from July through September of each year. Residential owner-occupied homes of one, two, three and four – family units in good standing, living on the property for the past year, qualify for the program. If you participate in the program, the Division of Water/WWC will calculate your average sewer cost based on your usage from January –April. During the months of July, August and September, sewer usage above the average, will be attributed to your lawn watering and will result in an adjustment to your bill. The program will not replace the City’s current sewer exempt or sprinkler meter programs. If you signed up for our Summer Sprinkling Program in the past few years, there is no need to sign up again. You will automatically be in the program.

    Click here to apply to participate in this program.

    You may also contact our office for an application by calling (216) 529-6820, Option two (2).  All applications must be received by May 31st.

    Q:        What should I do about my water service and bill if I sell my property or purchase new property?  

    A:        Contact the Customer Service Department at (216) 529-6820, Option 2 so we can assist you. We will need your title transfer date, the name of the Title or Escrow Company and the name of the new owner.

  • Clean Water Lakewood+-

    Purpose: Clean Water Lakewood is a program aiming to better manage our combined sewer overflows and protect our natural resources meeting the requirements of the Clear Water Act.

    Brief description of challenge:

    Lakewood is working on a plan to reduce our combined sewer overflows into Lake Erie.

    Our 100 year old sewer system combines sanitary sewage and storm water. When it rains, when snow melts, and when water is flowing off of impermeable surfaces such as roofs and streets, excess flow of combined stormwater and wastewater discharge into Lake Erie or Rocky River. Under dry conditions all wastewater is treated.

    As with the original investments in the City, Lakewood must invest in infrastructure so that it meets the demands of Lakewood’s second century, under the law and for the benefit of human and environmental health.

    The Clean Water Lakewood task force is a group of Lakewood residents and business owners assembled to help identify the best paths forward for water infrastructure in Lakewood. This group is focusing on facilitating best solutions for controlling sewage overflows.

     

  • Clean Water Pilot Project+-

    The city of Lakewood is upgrading residents’ water meters and scheduling interior assessments for the Clean Water Pilot Study Project, which started in Lakewood in 2014. The study takes place in Lakewood, on Atkins and Eldred avenues, south of Hilliard and north of Delaware Avenue. In order for the city to meet its EPA compliance schedule, these assessments and upgrades need to be completed by May 1, 2015. The appointments are being scheduled now on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Appointment Scheduling Times

    • Monday through Friday at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m., or 2:30 p.m.
    • Wednesday at 5 p.m.
    • Routine work should take approximately two hours to complete, however, some may take longer based on configuration and condition of the house’s plumbing. Please contact Colleen Gillespie via phone at 216.529.6692 or via email at colleen.gillespie@lakewoodoh.net to schedule your appointment. Special appointment days/times can be made for those unable to be at the property during the above appointment times.

    About the Interior Access

    If the property owner is not available, an adult representative 18 years or older will need to be present during the scheduled assessment. The Lakewood team will all be carrying Lakewood identification cards. The city will need access to the water meter and sanitary sewer line in the basement. Please clear a route to these areas and a 5-foot radius around the base. Additionally, the team will need to know the location of all floor drains, utility tubs, sump pumps/pits, showers, toilets, etc. Please have the representative prepared to point these features out to the team. Your sanitary sewer lateral will be televised from inside the house to the street which may require snaking.

    Public Meeting

    The city will hosted a Clean Water Pilot Study Project update on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Harding Middle School in the cafetorium. Representatives were on hand to answer questions. This work under the pilot study is required per our agreement with the Ohio EPA.

    More information