LEWISTON — As part of Earth Day 2010 celebrations, Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District is participating in a statewide backyard composting bin sale. Through Thursday, April 8, a home compost bin and how-to guide with a combined retail value of $100 can be purchased for $75, plus tax.

The bin is black, has a 10-year warranty and is made of 100 percent recycled plastic. It is approximately 35 inches high and 33 inches wide or large enough for a family of five.

It’s estimated that 25 percent of the average household’s waste consists of yard trimmings and kitchen scraps which can be easily composted. Androscoggin County residents can save money for every ton of waste they compost because it is not shipped out of town for disposal.

Also available for purchase is a 55-gallon rain barrel that can be used to collect valuable rain water for watering the garden and keeping the compost in the bin moist. The rain barrels can be purchased for $90, plus tax.

The barrel features an intake screen to keep debris and mosquitoes out; connects to drip irrigation, soaker and garden hoses; tan color prevents light transmission and inhibits algae growth; easy to set up and use; has a screw-off, white top for easy cleaning; a 55-gallon food grade barrel; and overflow directs water away from the foundation.

A savings of $16 is offered if purchasing both the rain barrel and compost bin. More details can be seen at www.androscogginswcd.net or contact Jane Heikkinen at jane.heikkinen@me.nacdnet.net or call 743-5789, ext. 101 to learn more or obtain an order form.

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