STRATHAM - The Stratham Conservation Commission is offering seacoast area residents backyard compost bins and rain barrels at a reduced cost. The home compost bin and how-to guide with a retail value of up to $100.00 can be purchased for only $47.00 through the Commission. The bin is black, has an 80 gallon capacity with a 10-year warranty, and is made of 100% recycled plastic. It is approximately 33” high and 33” wide, and comes unassembled for easy transportation in any vehicle.
Why would you want to compost? One important reason is that it helps reduce the cost of trash pick-up to Stratham residents. Another is that it is good for the environment. Organic materials—including food scraps and paper products—make up more than two-thirds of the nation’s solid waste stream. Instead of trash, composting turns all that into rich soil to nourish the Earth. Additionally, Methane is produced when valuable organic materials are buried in a landfill. Methane is more than 20 times more dangerous a greenhouse gas than CO2, and composting keeps organic materials in production instead of producing methane.
Rain barrels are easy to use and help cut down on the amount of water taken from the aquifer for watering gardens. The rain barrel has a large 55 gallon capacity that offers an excellent water source for lawn and indoor/outdoor plants. With a retail value of $120, it can be purchase from the Stratham Conservation Commission for only $62. It is made with up to 50% recycled plastic and attaches easily to your existing downspout system. Other features include a mosquito mesh on the top keeps out bugs and leaves, an overflow tube that can be attached to another barrel or go to ground run-off and a spout with a turn-off valve at the bottom.
Both of the items can be seen at the Stratham Town office, 10 Bunker Hill Ave. Order forms can also be found at the town office or on the Conservation Commission page of the town website at www.strathamnh.gov. All order forms must be returned to the Stratham Town Office with payment no later than March 15, 2013. Compost bins and rain barrels will be available for pick-up on Sat., April 6, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
