The City of Coon Rapids is sponsoring Recycling Association of Minnesota’s (RAM) Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Sale.

During a one-inch rain event 0.6 gallons of water will fall on a square foot of roof and 54 gallons will fall on 90 square feet of roof—enough to fill a 55 gallon rain barrel.

Benefits of Rain Barrels

• They provide an alternative to tap water for watering lawns and flower gardens.
• They will help reduce peak volume and velocity of stormwater runoff reaching lakes and rivers.
• They will help reduce peak water demands during the summer months.
• Rainwater can actually help improve the health of your gardens, lawn and trees.  Rainwater is naturally “soft” and devoid of minerals, chlorine and other chemicals found in city water.
• Water Conservation

Benefits of Composting –  Through backyard composting, you can recycle fruit scraps, vegetable peelings, grass and leaves into a wonderful soil amendment called humus.

• Enjoy healthier plants! Compost can be spread on your lawn, as top dressing, or placed around plants, bushes and trees as a mulch to help retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.
• Reduce your garbage! Remove the organic material from your garbage and you may be able to have a smaller garbage can.  Conserve water! Placing compost around plants, bushes and trees will help retain moisture so you won’t have to water as much.
• Composting your food waste means you don’t have to use your garbage disposal and the extra water it takes to flush it down your drain.

RAM is taking pre-orders on selected of Rain Barrels and Compost Bins for you to pick up at the Coon Rapids Recycling Center (1831 – 111th Avenue NW, Coon Rapids) on Monday, June 16th.  Order are accepted from now until sold out.  Hurry, while supplies last!

PLEASE NOTE: You must pick up your order on June 16, 2012!  These are the only dates available to get your order.  If cannot arrange for your order to be picked up on these dates, please DO NOT place an order.

For more information contact Recycling Association of Minnesota (852B East Lake Street – Wayzata, MN  55391 / Phone: 952-473-0048 / Email: ram@recycleminnesota.org)