This is the year to join tens of thousands of area households that have participated in the annual Madison Compost Bin and Rain Barrel sale. Discounted compost bins and 50 and 100 gallon rain barrels with diverters will be on sale on Saturday May 12, in the Alliant Energy Center parking lot from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

“Individual efforts to capture and conserve water, compost street-gutter leaves are important steps in saving our lakes from phosphorus runoff and preventing algae.” said Madison Sustainability Manager Jeanne Hoffman. “It only one pound of phosphorus to create as much as 500 pounds of algae.”

Rain barrels provide an eco one-two punch! Rainwater harvesting for your plants saves money and reduces stormwater run-off into local waterways. Compost bins help you create nutrient rich soil by turning yard waste and food scraps into organic fuel for the garden.

Paul Dearlove, Watershed Program Director from the Clean Lakes Alliance, encourages community-wide action to help clean and protect our drinking water aquifers. “We as residents can and should help by playing an active role, and that includes simple actions of sustainability we can take on our own properties. Consider setting an example by raking fall leaves out of the street gutter and placing them in a composter, soaking up storm runoff with a beautiful rain garden, and attaching a rain barrel to your roof downspout.”

The event is open to resident and non-residents of Madison. Supplies are limited, pre-ordering is strongly recommended. Learn more about the Compost Bin Sale.