How Can I Get a Rain Barrel or Compost Bin Rebate Form?

Thank you for your interest in conserving water and managing stormwater with a rain barrel or reducing the amount of waste sent to our landfills with a compost bin. Attend one of the City's Sustainable Backyard Workshops to learn about how to install and maintain a rain barrel and compost bin and receive a rebate form for each.

The City of Chicago will not be hosting rain barrel or compost bin sales (such as the Environmental Resource Events) in 2010. Instead, the City of Chicago* is offering $30 rebates on your rain barrel and compost bin purchased at any local garden center or hardware store this year. Buy a rain barrel or compost bin that is just right for your garden before November 2010 and send us a completed rebate form and receipt of purchase. We will send you a check for $30.

Residents are eligible for one rain barrel rebate and one compost bin rebate in 2010 ($60 maximum rebate). Rebates will be limited to 500 of each in 2010, so send in your rebate form ASAP for the best chances of receiving a rebate. We will post here, on our website, when rebates are no longer available.

To get your rebate form, come out to one of our Sustainable Backyard Workshops. RSVP for one of these workshops by clicking here or calling 312.743.9283.

The 2010 Sustainable Backyard workshop schedule is as follows:

Blackstone Library
4904 S. Lake Park Ave.
Saturday, April 24
10:00-11:30am

South Shore Library
2505 E. 73rd St.
Saturday, May 8
1:00-2:30pm

Chicago Cultural Center
Millennium Park Room, 5th Floor
78 E. Washington St.
Thursday, May 13
6:00-7:00pm

Brighton Park Library
4314 S. Archer Avenue
Saturday, June 26
10:00am-Noon

Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
Tuesday, June 29
6:00-7:00pm

Chicago Lawn Library
6120 S. Kedzie Ave.
Saturday, July 10
10:00am-Noon

Sulzer Regional Library
4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
Saturday, July 10
10:00 -11:30 a.m.

Rogers Park Library
6907 N. Clark St.
Saturday, July 17
10:00am-Noon

West Pullman Library
830 W. 119th St.
Wednesday, July 21
6:00-7:30pm

Douglass Library
3353 W. 13th St.
Saturday, July 24
10:00am-Noon

Hegewisch Library
3048 E. 130th St.
Saturday, August 14
10:00am-Noon 

Chicago Center for Green Technology
445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
Thursday, September 9
6:00-7:30pm

We are transitioning to a Rebate Program in order to:

• Increase the availability of rain barrels and compost bins throughout the city;
• Allow residents to choose the rain barrel or compost bin that is right for their space and needs;
•  Support local businesses; and
• Keep rain barrels and compost bins affordable for residents.

Many local garden centers and hardware stores will stock rain barrels and compost bins this season, some for the first time ever. See a list of local rain barrel retailers.

To learn about upcoming workshops directly, send us an email at rainbarrel@cityofchicago.org, or give us a call at 312.743.9283. We will automatically add you to our contact list and keep you posted.

To stay involved in the current local rain harvesting discussion, check out the Chicago Rain Harvesting Blog.

The Department of Water Management will be giving away rain barrels as an incentive to participate in their MeterSave program, for eligible water customers. See www.metersave.org or call 311 for more information.

*Rain barrel rebates funded by USEPA’s Pollution Prevention Program. 

Last updated on May 13, 2010

Supporting Information

• Compost Bins