Erie County, in partnership with the Western New York Stormwater Coalition, is once again offering rain barrels and compost bins for sale to encourage households to reduce their environmental footprint through water conservation and reduced fertilizer use.
Households in the Erie County municipalities of Cheektowaga, Grand Island, the City of Tonawanda, Kenmore, and Sloan are eligible for 75% off the price of rain barrels only. This reduced price is also available to households in the Niagara County municipalities of Niagara Falls and Lewiston. This subsidy is funded by a grant provided by the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
New this year is a compost bin subsidy offered by Erie County's solid waste management boards. The solid waste management boards work collectively with member municipalities on waste reduction issues that impact all residents in Erie County. Residents in most Erie County municipalities are eligible for a special "Composter Kit" which includes the Earth Machine compost bin, a rodent screen and compost turner for $30. For information on the subsidies and to purchase products, visit www.erie.compostersale.com .
Even if you live in a municipality not targeted for a subsidy, rain barrels, compost bins and composting accessories are 50%-60% off typical pricing.
Rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff, which is rainfall that does not soak into the ground and can transport many pollutants to our local waterways. By using harvested rainwater for watering lawns, gardens and potted plants, rain barrels conserve water. As a bonus, the natural nutrients in rainwater make it far better for plants than tap water, which has chlorine and fluoride in it. With a rain barrel, gardeners can also minimize or eliminate their use of chemical fertilizers.
Home composting is a simple way to restore nutrients to soil. The addition of compost enriches soil, stimulates plant growth, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting yard trimmings and food scraps has the added benefit of keeping those wastes out of our local landfills.
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