Residents can save water and spruce up soil with rain barrels, compost bins

COLUMBIA, SC — Richland County residents can save water and improve their soil quality by ordering rain barrels and compost bins that are available at discounted prices through several local organizations.

Richland County Stormwater Management, Clemson Cooperative Extension and the City of Columbia are offering 50-gallon rain barrels and 65-gallon compost bins for the discounted price of $68 each through a concerted effort to increase the practice of these eco-friendly methods across the County.

Positive factors of rain barrels usage include:

• Protecting local waterways from runoff pollution
• Diverting water from municipal storm drain systems
• Conserving water, which helps reduce water bills when it comes to outdoor watering
• Controlling moisture levels around the foundation of a home

Composting organic household materials helps reduce landfill waste, eliminates the cost of purchasing fertilizers to improve soil quality for plants and gardens and helps reduce a community’s overall carbon emissions.

“Rain barrels and compost bins are simple tools that anyone can use to be a water-wise gardener while saving money,” said Chenille Williams, Richland County Stormwater Public Education and Outreach Coordinator. “Using captured rain water prevents debris from being transported into nearby waterways and reduces domestic water use. And adding compost to soil reduces the need for fertilizers that can wash into local streams.”

Rain barrels and compost bins should be ordered by 11 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13. Once ordered and paid for, bins and barrels can be picked up between 10 a.m.-2p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Clemson Sandhills Research and Education Center, 900 Clemson Road, Columbia.

To order and for more information, visit www.rainbarrelprogram.org/richland.