Rain barrel and composter sales are returning to the Town of North Hempstead this September – the first time they will be sold in the fall when composting conditions are great.

Composter and rain barrel use effectively contribute to environmental sustainability while benefitting you and your family.

Incorporating a rain barrel and composter into your home can reduce water costs, keep the town’s waterways clean and provide a natural water source for plants and gardens.

These practices help to reduce the pollution that enters storm drains, enhancing the health of our environment and your wallet.

“Composter and rain barrel sales have been popular among our residents for many years, and I’m glad we’re finally expanding to the fall,” Supervisor Jennifer DeSena said. “It’s the perfect time to compost, and the fall is a good time to use a rain barrel. We’re just happy to give our neighbors affordable and sustainable solutions for their property.”

Composters break down yard and kitchen waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment which provides numerous other benefits. It reduces waste in landfills and combustion facilities, adds valuable plant nutrients, improves soil structure, suppresses plant diseases, lessens the need for fertilizers and pesticides and prevents soil erosion and nutrient runoff.

Rain barrels help collect rainwater from roofs that can irrigate lawns and gardens. One of their main benefits is conserving water that comes from Long Island’s underground aquifers, which provide 100% of Long Island’s potable water.

Rain barrels also allow users to save money and reduce stormwater pollution.

“We’ve been looking to expand these sales to the fall season for a while, and I’m glad town residents have more simple, cost-efficient opportunities to help the environment,” Town Councilman Edward Scott said. “I love to garden and I love finding new ways to keep my garden healthy, and I know many others do, too. These barrels and composters check off every box.”

This year, the town partnered with BrandBuilders LLC, a company that has worked with other Long Island towns to provide residents access to affordable sustainability options.

Residents can purchase their rain barrel and/or composter online at www.northhempstead.compostersale.com and then pick up their purchase at Clark Botanic Garden (193 IU Willets Road, Albertson).

Residents must bring a driver’s license or proof of residency when picking up purchases and inform the lot attendant that they are picking up said purchases to avoid any parking fees.

Pickup will be held on the following dates at Clark Botanic Garden, 193 IU Willets Road, Albertson:

• Friday, September 13 from 10 am to 3 pm
• Sunday, September 15 from 10 am to 12 pm

For more information, please phone the Town’s Call Center at 311 or (516)-869-6311.