Discount orders for compost bins and rain barrels due Sept. 13

Delaware residents may preorder environmentally beneficial compost bins and rain barrels at discount prices during an online sale sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Made available by DNREC’s Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances in conjunction with the Division of Watershed Stewardship advance purchases must be made for both items by Sunday, Sept. 13, for pickup from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, at the DNREC Lewes Field Facility, 901 Pilottown Road, Lewes.

To order, go to de.gov/recycling.

The FreeGarden Earth compost bins, offered through DNREC for $50 each, are made from recycled materials and require no assembly. Compost bins have features that enhance the decomposition process and help make composting more efficient. These compact units transform food scraps and yard waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that replaces traditional fertilizers to produce healthier plants and vegetables in home gardens.

The 55-gallon FreeGarden Rain brand rain barrels are made available by DNREC at $60 each, or about half the retail price. They are attractive and easy to move, install and use. They come with an insect-resistant stainless-steel screen and three additional spigot mounting locations, as well as a childproof lid and square shape ideal for flush-to-wall and corner installations.

Rain barrels collect and store the water from roofs and downspouts for future uses such as watering lawns, gardens and house plants; cleaning off gardening tools; and car washing. Rain barrels help lower water bills, particularly in the summer months, by collecting free water.

Rain barrels play an important role in protecting water resources by collecting stormwater runoff from homes before it reaches local streams and rivers.

Buyers should note that no additional bins, barrels, or accessories will be sold at the pickup locations.