In an effort to increase backyard composting, reduce waste, conserve water usage and improve municipal stormwater runoff, the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority in cooperation with the Oneida County Sewer District is hosting a compost bin and rainwater barrel sale. This year, compost bins and rain barrels must be ordered and paid for in advance by April 9, 2017. Pickup will be held on Saturday, April 22,2017.
Why Compost?
Home composting is the simplest and most economical way of handling yard and food waste. Composting organic material helps reduce our reliance on our landfill and produce a high quality, usable product. Composting is nature’s way of recycling.
Why Use a Rain Barrel?
Most of the time, the Oneida County Sanitary Sewer System works efficiently. However, when we have heavy rainfall or when snow melts, stormwater enters the system and causes sewage overflow into the Mohawk River.
Calculations show that a roof of 1,000 square feet in size can produce more than 600 gallons of storm runoff for every 1-inch of rain. You can simply disconnect your roof leader or downspout and capture that water with a rain barrel. With the water from your rain barrel, you can water gardens, lawns, and hanging plants; wash cars; and more.
For more information on rain barrels or Operation Ripple Effect, an Oneida County initiative that offers simple steps to help keep the Mohawk River clean, visit RippleEffectOCSD.org.
How to Order a Compost Bin or Rain Barrel
Residents can pre-order a compost bin or rain barrel at 50% below the retail cost by visiting www.oneidaherkimercompostersale.ecwid.com. Please note: Orders for compost bins and rain barrels must be completed online before April 9th. Along with a handbook and live demonstration on how to compost, residents who purchase a compost bin will receive a free kitchen scrap pail.
- Compost Bins - $50.00 (includes tax)
- Rain Barrels - $60.00 (includes tax)
How Do I Pick-Up My Compost Bin and/or Rain Barrel?
Compost bins and rain barrels can be picked up during the Authority’s Annual Earth Day events on Saturday, April 22nd from 8 AM – 2 PM (rain or shine) at the Oneida-Herkimer Recycling Center, 824 Sewage Plant Road, Utica, NY 13502. Only those who pre-order online by April 9th will be able to pick one up. Delivery is not available.
The Authority’s Annual Earth Day Events
In addition to the compost bin and rain barrel pick-up, the Authority’s Annual Earth Day events will be held at the Oneida-Herkimer Recycling Center, 824 Sewage Plant Road, Utica on April 22nd.
The day’s special events will include:
10 AM – 2 PM
- Free Tours of the Recycling Center
- Free Confidential Paper Shredding in cooperation with CONFIDATA
- Free Collection & Disposal of Unused Medication and Pharmaceuticals in cooperation with Oneida County Sewer District and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
- Free Utica “Zoomobile” Demonstrations
7 AM – 2 PM (These programs are offered year-round.)
- Free Bulky Rigid Plastics Drop-Off
- Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
- Free Electronics Drop-Off
- Free Clothing & Textiles Drop-Off
- Compost for Purchase
For more information regarding the compost bin and rain barrel sale, please visit www.oneidaherkimercompostersale.ecwid.com. For more information on the Authority’s Earth Day events, or for hours of operation and information on special recycling programs, please Contact Us. You can also visit the Authority’s Facebook page (Oneida Herkimer Solid Waste Authority) to ask questions and find more information on these topics.