Compost bins for yard waste and food waste – plus rain barrels (it’ll rain again SOMEDAY) – are being offered at what Seattle Public Utilities calls “big discounts” – read on for details:

Seattleites can save 75 percent or more on the cost of
high-quality compost bins this summer, thanks to big discounts being
offered by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).

Between now and the end of September, SPU is selling compost bins that
normally retail at more than $100 for just $25, helping residents
convert food scraps and yard clippings into nutrient-rich compost for
their gardens.

With a 19 percent increase this year in the number of households
planning to grow their own produce, composting at home can provide the
nutrients to help fruits and vegetables flourish naturally.

Carl Woestwin, landscape conservation manager at SPU, said that by
composting at home, consumers can have beautiful gardens and thriving
vegetable patches without resorting to chemical fertilizers.

“Composting at home is an easy way to turn vegetative waste into a
natural soil builder that will help plants flourish and save water,”
said Woestwin. “With these discounts, making your own compost at home
has never been easier.”

Food scraps and yard waste are valuable resources when composted or
used as mulch in the garden. Home composting is a simple way for
gardeners to conserve water and build healthy soil, without having to
buy compost from the store.

Seattle gardeners can take advantage of two great offers –

● Green Cone Food Composting Bins Two cones for $40, when
purchased together. One cone for $25. Retail cost is more than $100
each. Limit two per household.
● Yard Waste Compost Bins $25 each. Retail cost is more than $100.
Limit one per household.

The compost bins can be purchased at www.seattle.gov/binsandbarrels or
by calling (206) 684-0190.

The Green Cone food waste composters turn food scraps such as fruits
and vegetables, breads and grains, coffee grounds, and tea bags into
nutrient-rich compost for customers’ gardens.

The yard waste compost bins transform grass clippings, leaves, dead
plants, small twigs, and most weeds into a natural soil builder.

Customers can also purchase high quality rain barrels for $75 plus tax.
Rain barrels allow gardeners to collect Seattle’s famed rain for use
in their yards. Depending on how much it rains, a rain barrel or two
collecting water from a 500 to 600 square-foot roof area can provide
enough water to care for the plants and flowerpots on a deck or patio
for several weeks.

Home delivery is available for a small delivery charge, or orders can
be picked up at the Seattle Conservation Corps office at Sand
Point/Magnuson Park, Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sales
of compost bins are restricted to City of Seattle residents.

For more information on composting and natural yard care, customers can
call or e-mail the Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224 or
help@gardenhotline.org.