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Erie County, partners offering rain barrels and compost bins

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Thu, May 3rd 2018 11:35 am
Homeowners encouraged to reduce runoff, recycle nutrients into the soil
Erie County, in partnership with the City of Buffalo and the WNY Stormwater Coalition, is offering rain barrels and compost bins to encourage households to reduce their environmental footprint through water conservation and reduced fertilizer use.
Rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff, water produced in heavy rainfalls that does not soak in to the ground and can transport pollutants to local waterways. By using harvested rainwater for watering lawns, watering gardens and potted plants, and for washing cars, rain barrels conserve water.
The county said the natural nutrients in rainwater make it far better for gardening 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.
Composting yard trimmings and food waste is a way to recycle nutrients and return them to the soil. The addition of compost enriches soil and will stimulate plant growth, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting has the added benefit of reducing the amount of solid waste produced by homeowners, which could otherwise go to a landfill.
For details on how to purchase a rain barrel or composting bin, visit www.eriecompostersale.ecwid.com. Quantities are limited. Deadline to order is May 25. Orders will be available for pickup on Thursday, June 7.
For more information on the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, visit http://www2.erie.gov/environment/; or on the WNY Stormwater Coalition, click HERE.

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