The City of Knoxville Solid Waste Office is pleased to announce it is partnering with the Town of Farragut, Knox County and the Water Quality Forum to offer Ivy-brand rain barrels as well as Ivy compost bins to residents through the Water Quality Forum's award-winning rain barrel program.

Working with Rain Water Solutions, the partners are offering the bins and barrels at a discounted price to encourage residents to protect water quality and help reduce the waste stream to our landfills. This program is a critical part of the partners' commitment to promoting a healthy environment. The rain barrels and compost bins are available now online at: http://www.waterqualityforum.org or by calling 919-835-1699.

Residents should pre-order the rain barrels and compost bins and then pick them up on Saturday, June 16, at West Town Mall parking lot on the Morrell Road side of the mall, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be a limited number of rain barrels and compost bins available the day of the sale, but they are expected to go fast.

"This program is an important step in offering an inexpensive option to help our residents save money and understand the significance of water conservation and waste reduction," said Parci Gibson with the Water Quality Forum. "We are committed to protecting our water quality and managing the damaging effects of storm water runoff. The use of rain barrels and compost bins will provide residents the tools they need to be environmentally pro-active."

The Ivy rain barrel captures rainwater from roof tops by connecting to the downspout from the gutter. This water would typically be sent down the storm drain, carrying potential contaminants and contributing to flash flooding. The cumulative effect of rain barrels implemented throughout a municipality can have a significant impact on storm water management and water conservation. Water collected by the rain barrels can be used for gardens, lawns, and washing cars and pets.

The Ivy rain barrel is made of 50% recycled plastic and is manufactured in the United States. Compost bins are a great way to reduce how much waste we send to our landfills while also providing compost, nature's fertilizer, to homeowners.

For more information on this rain barrel program or to order a rain barrel, please visit http://www.waterqualityforum.org or call 919-835-1699.