By Bryant Moroder

This is the year to join the tens of thousands of area households that have already participated in the annual Madison Compost Bin and Rain Barrel event.

When it comes to easy, cost-effective ways to lessen your impact on the planet, rain barrels and compost bins provide an eco one-two for your home. Harvesting rainwater for your plants saves money and reduces stormwater runoff into local waterways. And rather than sending more stuff to the landfill, compost bins will help you create nutrient rich soil by turning yard waste and food scraps into organic fuel for the garden.

Compost bins and 50-gallon and 100-gallon rain barrels with diverters are available at discounted prices Saturday, May 12, 10 am‒2 pm, at the Alliant Energy Center north parking lot. The annual event is open to residents and non-residents of Madison.

Supplies are limited; pre-ordering is strongly recommended. Pre-order online before May 1 with the promo code MAD18 and save an additional $10 off. For more information visit cityofmadison.com/streets/compost/CompostBinSale.cfm.