Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Erie County, partners offering rain barrels & compost bins

Submitted

Fri, May 8th 2020 01:45 pm

Homeowners encouraged to reduce runoff, recycle nutrients into the soil

Erie County, in partnership with the City of Buffalo, the Town of Wheatfield, and the Western New York Stormwater Coalition, is once again offering rain barrels and compost bins to encourage households to reduce their environmental footprint through water conservation and reducing fertilizer use.

Rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff, water produced in heavy rainfalls that does not soak in to the ground and can transport many pollutants to local waterways as well as cause soil erosion. By using harvested rainwater for watering lawns, gardens and potted plants, rain barrels conserve water and serve as a watering source in times of drought or watering restrictions.

As an added bonus, Erie County said rain water is highly oxygenated and the natural nutrients in it are far better for plants than tap water, which has added chlorine and fluoride. Rain barrels also help control moisture levels around the foundations of a home by collecting rainwater before it hits ground levels, helping to reduce dampness and mold.

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 local landfills.

For details on how to purchase a rain barrel or composting bin, visit www.eriecompostersale.ecwid.com. Quantities are limited. The deadline to order is June 17.

For more information on the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, visit http://www2.erie.gov/environment/; on the WNY Stormwater Coalition, click here.

Hometown News

View All News