Last Call: Get Your Compost Bins and Go Green

Nashua Garden Club and the Division of Public Works Solid Waste Department are organizing its 14th Annual Spring Sale of backyard compost bins, kitchen waste pails, and Systern rain barrels. For the first time, you can also get a great deal on compost turners. This program is coordinated through the Northeast Resource Recovery Association. Cost of tools is the same as last year, and offered at a great savings to you!

Composting Bin
Backyard composting creates a rich soil amendment that can be added to plants and gardens or used as mulch for trees and shrubs. It is estimated that 25 percent of the average household waste consists of yard trimmings and kitchen scraps. Nearly 1,000 bins have been sold in Nashua during the last 12 years, which, if used properly, would have diverted more than 1,400 tons of compostable material from being buried in the landfill.

The round black backyard compost bins with pest resistant lids are 35 inches in diameter and 33 inches high. They are made of 80 percent recycled plastic and have a capacity of 80 gallons. Each bin sells for $52 (nearly half the retail price), and comes with an instruction booklet and a 10-year warranty.

Compost Turner
The 34-inch long compost turner can be used to turn compost without resorting to the traditional backbreaking job of using a shovel to remove and reload. Simply plunge the turner into the compost pile and, as it is withdrawn, the heavy-duty blades open to aerate and turn the compost. It’s a sturdy professional quality tool and sells for $20.

Kitchen Waste Pail
The kitchen waste pail is an oval-shaped beige and white plastic container with a handle and securely closing lid. It has a 2 gallon capacity and sells for $10.

Rain Barrel
The tan-colored Systern rain barrel is made of up to 50 percent recycled plastic. It has a holding capacity of 55 gallons and includes a mosquito mesh to keep out bugs and leaves. It can be easily attached to an existing downspout system and also has an overflow capability to another Systern or to ground run-off. Normally retailing for up to $120, this barrel is available for $67.

Rainwater is an excellent water source for lawns, plants, and gardens.  Using a rain barrel can significantly cut your household water bill. Posters containing order forms will be set up at various locations throughout Nashua including City Clerk’s office at City Hall and the Solid Waste Department at the Four Hills Landfill located at 840 West Hollis Street.

Order forms: You can simply click on the pdf version with this story and print out an order form. They are also available on the City of Nashua’s website gonashua.com, under City Departments, then Public Works, then Solid Waste.

Questions? Contact Lois Scotto, 888-5064 or Sally Hyland, 589-3413, or email Sally at hylands@nashuanh.gov.

Pickup will be April 13, from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Nashua Recycling Center, 840 W. Hollis Street.