ERIE COUNTY, N.Y. — Erie County is teaming up with the Western New York Stormwater Coalition to offer households the opportunity to purchase both rain barrels and compost bins.
By offering residents these tools it is the groups hope that it will help reduce their environmental footprint through water conservation and reduced fertilizer use.
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.
The reduced price is also available to households in the Niagara County municipalities of Niagara Falls and Lewiston.
The 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 they will also be offering residents a compost bin subsidy via Erie County's solid waste management boards.
The solid waste management boards will work collectively with member municipalities on waste reduction issues that impact all residents in Erie County.
Residents in almost all of Erie County's municipalities are eligible for the special "Composter Kit" which includes the Earth Machine compost bin, a rodent screen and compost turner for the cost of $30.
People who live in a municipality that is 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." according to WNY Stormwater Coalition.
They also mention that "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."
To learn more visit erie.compostersale.com
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