The Town of Drumheller has revived its rain barrel and composter programs, and this summer residents will have the opportunity to purchase both to decrease their footprint.
The Town brought in rain barrels and composting kits a couple years ago and residents eagerly snatched them up. They have decided to bring back the program, and are taking orders for both at the town office.
Rain barrels are made of recycled plastics, have a capacity of 200 litres, and sell for $55. The composting kits are $75 and include all the accessories to get you started.
“We are trying to get it up and running,” said Brian Bolduc utilities manager for the Town of Drumheller.
He said conservation of water is important to many, and helps cut the costs of watering in the summer. He adds that while many communities have landfills that compost, Drumheller is not one of them. By composting, it can reduce the amount of material that is land filled.
“We are trying to get people to compost at home instead of putting their leaves or grass into the landfill,” said Bolduc.
The rain barrels and composters are high quality and are at a very competitive price compared to regular retail prices. Bolduc says that is to make it easier for people to change habits.
“We are trying to promote some stuff and give people a good deal in order to get them interested and have them keep going,” he said.
He said last time they distributed the rain barrels they received very positive feedback from residents, many wanting to acquire more. This go round the there is a limit of two. The composting kits are limited to one per household. Those who participated in the previous year are eligible for the program.
He said due the popularity of the program, The Town of Drumheller’s Green Team has brought in 250 barrels this time around.
The process for attaining either of these items is the same as in previous years. Simply go to the Town of Drumheller office where residents can purchase a tag, and will be able to pick up the barrels when they arrive.
“We are hoping to have pick up in the middle of June,” sad Bolduc.
To conserve water, the Town of Drumheller is also giving rebates for replacing a high water consumption toilet for a high efficiency model.
“If a person has a 13-plus litre (consumption toilet) and replaces it with a low flush 3 or 6 litre toilet, we offer up to a $175 rebate,” said Bolduc.
The rebate will be applied to the resident’s utility bill. The toilet has to be an eligible model that meet the requirements. A list of toilets that apply for the program is available at the Town of Drumheller.
“It is a huge list, I don’t know where you would buy a toilet that would not make the list. The manufacturers in that industry have been really following the guidelines laid out by the Wastewater Association of American and the Water Works Association. They have been following this criteria really closely because this is something the industry was pushing so the manufacturers have been keeping up the pace, it’s great to see,” said Bolduc.
For more information, contact the Town of Drumheller at 403-823-6300.