Residents can check off a couple more items on their spring garden shopping lists with the purchase of a compost bin or rain barrel through Baltimore County government now until the first week of June.
Baltimore County government is hosting the online pre-order sale for bins and barrels, but purchasers need not be county residents.
Composting allows individuals to turn food scraps, as well as yard materials like grass clippings and leaves, into a nutrient-rich material called humus – not to be confused with hummus, the delicious, mashed chickpea and tahini dish.
Humus can be used to enhance soil and restore nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen and trace minerals. These nutrients not only benefit plants’ health and growth, but they also improve the quality of the foods that humans eat.
Compost also helps retain water when mixed with sandy soils, or drain water from heavy clay soils.
Rain barrels are also a beneficial tool, as residents can collect and reuse rainwater, thus cutting down on their water bill by hydrating their gardens for free (minus the initial investment of the barrel itself).
Rainwater is free from chlorine and other water treatment chemicals that can irritate plants and cause chemical buildup over time. Barrels also reduce stormwater runoff that carries pollutants into waterways and other ecosystems.
The compost bins cost $50 each, and the standard rain barrels cost between $60 and $65 each. Customers who aren’t too particular about their barrel’s appearance can purchase a slightly imperfect “Ugly Duckling” rain barrel starting at $50.
The sale is being facilitated by the county’s new vendor, Greenlane Environmental & Recycling Services Inc.
All compost bins and rain barrels must be ordered by June 5. Orders must be picked up on June 13 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Community College of Baltimore County’s Essex campus at 7201 Rossville Blvd. Customers must bring their purchase receipt when picking up their items.
Bins and barrels are shipped fully assembled, but county officials say they should fit in most vehicles. Still, customers should plan ahead, especially if they own a smaller vehicle or are purchasing multiple bins and barrels.
Orders will be distributed rain or shine. Items must be ordered in advance, so no on-site purchases will be available on the pickup date.
Baltimore County allows residents to compost certain food scraps at home, such as fruits, vegetables, egg shells, coffee grinds, and other items. However, other materials are prohibited from being composted, like meat, bones, dairy products, pet waste, and more.
A list of accepted and prohibited items can be found on the county’s website.
The prices for the compost bins and the rainwater catchment are excessive.
Go to the dump, get a cracked recycling bin, cut off the bottom foot snd bury it in the ground. Keep the lid, if you want. Same place, pick up a plastic barrel. Nothin to it.