Climate and Sustainability
The Roeland Park Community Garden, located on the Community Center grounds, grows between 800 - 1000 pounds of fresh produce that go directly to support local food pantries. Roeland Park has been, and continues to be, a leader on important actions that promote sustainability and make a real difference in environmental issues. This page is a resource and directory of Roeland Park's actions.
RESIDENTIAL ENERGY AUDIT INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Residential Energy Audit Incentive Application and list of Qualified Energy Auditors
COMPOSTING IN ROELAND PARK
Food waste is the single most common material landfilled and incinerated in the U.S., comprising 24 and 22 percent of landfilled and combusted municipal solid waste, respectively (EPA, "The Environmental Impacts of U.S. Food Waste," 2021). Each year food waste accounts for the equivalent of 42 coal-fired power plants in GHG emissions. Roeland Park wants to help residents reduce their food waste by composting. We offer two different opportunities to encourage composting.
Compost Bin Rebate Program
The City will reimburse residents up to $75 toward the purchase of a compost bins or the materials to build one at home. Those who attend a composting 101 workshop can receive the maximum rebate of $75, or those who do not attend a workshop can receive up to a $40 rebate. Find out more and how to apply.
Drop-Off Composting with KC Can Compost
If backyard composting isn't your thing, we have a way you can take your bin to a drop off location. The City of Roeland Park is partnering with KC Can Compost so residents can fill up a 5 gallon bucket and take it to a drop-off location at Price Chopper whenever you need. The program costs residents $12.99/month for those who wish to participate. You can get 20% off your first month's subscription by entering the discount code RPCOMPOSTING at checkout. You will have the option to purchase a 5 gallon bucket for $10 and/or a countertop container for $20 at checkout. You can also use your own bucket if you prefer. Cans can be picked up at Roeland Park City Hall, just show your receipt to the front desk on the 2nd floor. The City Sustainability Committee is sponsoring this endeavor and is sponsoring the first year of site maintenance for drop off composting. Click here to sign up!
Roeland Park Community Garden - Seeds That Feed the Need
Since 2008 volunteers have been reaping a harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables that go directly to supporting local families. During growing season, garden volunteers deliver produce to two food Pantries - the Roeland Park United Methodist Church Food Pantry and the Mission Community Food Pantry weekly. The garden is managed by a group of dedicated volunteers and is funded through the City of Roeland Park. Learn more about the garden. If you would like to support the garden, please reach out to Councilmember Jan Faidley via email, or by calling 913-722-2600.
SOLAR ENERGY
Roeland Park has installed solar panels on City Hall, the Community Center, and the Aquatics Center that generate substantial amounts of clean energy.
Roeland Park offers a dashboard to track the energy generated from the various solar installations. Those dashboards can be found below:
Community Center Dashboard: Click Here
City Hall Dashboard: Click Here
City Hall Carport Dashboard: Click Here
Aquatic Center/Pump House Dashboard: Click Here
The latest electric bill savings from solar panels on all city facilities can be found here. [upd. 02/26]
A comparison between estimated and actual energy savings for all facilities can be found here. [upd. 02/26]
See the projected electric bill savings vs. projected bill savings from 2022-2025 for all facilities here. [upd. 02/26]
Recycling
Roeland Park residents have access to a recycling pick-up program. Recycling is an important component to sustainability and Roeland Park is proud to offer such a program.
To see more about what can be recycled, view this flyer.
More information about recycling and waste programs can be found here.
Ripple Glass curbside recycling
The City of Roeland Park is proud to be the first city in the metro area to adopt City-wide curbside glass recycling. Service began in January 2023. Recycling glass bottles and jars saves energy and makes a real different in our community!
Who is Ripple Glass?
Not long ago, KC had one of the worst glass recycling rates in the nation. The folks at Boulevard Brewing Company finally got tired of being part of the problem. With support from local organizations, they came up with a solution. Ripple Glass built a processing facility and placed more than 100 drop-off containers across the city, and eventually the metro area. Ripple Glass cleans and crushes recycled glass, which allows it to be re-melted into new jars and insulations by local manufacturers.
Contain the Rain
Climate Action KC
On July 6, 2021, the Roeland Park Governing Body passed Resolution No. 690 endorsing the Regional Climate Action Plan from Climate Action KC and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC).
Climate Action KC is a nonprofit regional collaborative bringing elected officials and community leaders together to reduce emissions, invigorate the economy, promote public health, and improve the quality of life across the Kansas City region.
More information about Climate Action KC and the Regional Climate Action Plan can be found here.
Cooper Creek Park Restoration
Roeland Park has been active in the restoration of Cooper Creek Park located along Roeland Drive. Roeland Park has been clearing out invasive species, replanting native species, and making the park more friendly to residents and pedestrians. Be on the lookout in our newsletters for updates on Roeland Park's progress in the restoration process!
EV Charging stations and vehicles
Roeland Park was the first city in the state of Kansas to install electric vehicle charging stations that provided free use. The City has since upgraded these chargers to the latest technology Level 2 to provide a quicker charge. There are two charging stations available in city hall's parking lot and are available to the public for free.
In addition, the two Neighborhood Services vehicles were upgraded in 2022 to all electric Kia Souls. Other vehicles in the City fleet are hybrids. As vehicles approach the end of their life, we are considering what technology suits our needs and upgrade to electric or hybrid if it makes sense.
The City is participating in a Carbon Reduction Program Grant with Johnson County to install another charging station at the Community Center. We anticipate installing the additional station in 2025.
INSTALLING CHARGING STATIONS AT HOME
If the charging station was connected to an existing power source, the City will need to issue a permit for adding a new circuit. The City would inspect the panel box connections and methods used to connect the charging station. If the wiring goes under ground, the City would check for the proper depth, conduit size, and conduit connections.
In the event that the charging station is installed in an existing garage or structure, it would still require a new isolated circuit and would follow many of the guidelines listed above and require a permit for adding a new circuit.