Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County is presenting a one-day-only backyard composter and rain barrel distribution event on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 8 a.m. until noon, at the Alachua County Environmental Protection Hazardous Waste Collection Center (5125 NE 63rd Avenue, Gainesville, 2 miles north of 39th Avenue, off of Waldo Rd.)

The SYSTERN Rain Barrel and Earth Machine Backyard Composter will be sold on a first come, first served basis. SYSTERN Rain Barrels will be available for $45.00 and the Earth Machine composter will be available for $39.00. These prices include sales tax (cash, credit cards, or checks are accepted).

In the United States, outdoor water use can makeup between 25% to 58% of the overall domestic water demand.  Rainwater harvesting can reduce this demand, both preserving municipal water supply for potable drinking water, and serving as a compliment to your gardening and backyard composting needs. 

Composting vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, leaves, twigs and grass clippings reduces your garbage and creates a rich soil amendment to add to your garden.

For more information, contact the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department at 352-264-6800, or the Alachua County Public Works Department at 352-374-5213.