Rain Barrel Sales
Annual Conservation Resource Sales
We sell rain barrels, composters, and related supplies for water catchment systems and composting systems. These practices conserve rainwater and prevent runoff, and composting practices reduce food waste.
Terra Cotta Rain barrel on pedestal riser.
All rain barrels are repurposed 55 gallon Food Quality High Density Poly Ethylene (BPA free) barrels that have been cleaned and rinsed with pH neutral soaps and assembled in the USA. The are designed to remain outside year around. They come in various colors: blue, black, terra-cotta, gray, green. Color availability, shape variation, and hue may vary depending on our supplier's sources year to year.
Water Catchment Information & Rain Barrel Assembly Instructions
Rain Barrels Frequently Asked Questions
Tumbling Composter
The Tumbling Composters are made with recycled components, including a pre-used 55 gallon black barrel and a frame made with plastic lumber that is 70% post consumer.
The Composter is an upcycled food grade barrel. It is about 4 foot tall and only requires a 3 foot by 4 foot area. You can put it in a smaller area for storage, but you'll need that much space free from obstacles to spin the barrel and properly aerate the compost.
Composters come disassembled. Learn how to Assemble your Tumbling Composter (PDF).
Learn more about composting and how to use the composter (PDF).
Rain Barrel Sales - Ordering
The rain barrels, rain totes, composters and supplies are available while supplies last each year. To shop and order these, we offer both pre-sales through our online store and a paper order form. Online orders are preferred as the online store will most accurately reflect what is currently available.
Shop Online for Rain Barrels, Totes, Composters & More!
View the 2024 order form (PDF)
Order online OR complete the order form and mail / drop off to:
Washtenaw County Conservation District
705 N. Zeeb Rd. #201, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Payment
Payment must be finalized before order pick-up. Online orders allow for two payment methods: Check or Cash.
The paper order form, we accept: Cash, Checks or Money Orders. Checks or Money Orders must be made payable to: Washtenaw County CD
Order Pick-up
Pre-order must be received in advance. Once order is prepared, generally within 2-3 days, you'll receive a notice with the pick-up details. Orders will be available to pick up at our office at: 705 N Zeeb Rd. Ann Arbor, MI. Orders are available for self-fulfilled pick-up during open office hours, ask if assistance is needed, or after hours.
You can also opt to pick-up at our some of our events, please note it on your order check-out page.
Vehicle Requirements
A rain barrel or composter will fit easily in the back seat of sedan, but not always in sedan trunks. The plastic 55 gallon rain barrels weigh around 25 lbs. Please let us know if you might need assistance loading them.
The 275 Gallon Totes are about 75 lbs. and require two people to lift. They are roughly 4' cubes, but are actually 47 3/8" x 39 1/4" x 46". Please plan accordingly.
Trucks are recommended for 275 Gallon Tote transport. They won't fit into most vans, but a bike rack is... possible.
Disclaimer
With proper installation, maintenance and use, rain barrels, totes, and composters should function properly. The Washtenaw County Conservation District assumes no liability for the installation, maintenance, property damage or injury that may be associated with the use of rain barrels, totes, or composters. See the resources provided for proper installation, maintenance and use instructions.
Rain Barrel Workshops & Pick-up Events
We sometimes host rain barrel workshops, contact us if you want to host one in your community space! Rain barrels can be ordered at picked up at our office, and at some of our events. See below for upcoming workshops & pick-up distribution dates:
Looking for Rain Barrels closer to home?
Other watershed councils and conservation district's in Southeastern Michigan offer Rain Barrel Sales including:
- Friends of the Rouge in Plymouth, MI
- Monroe Conservation District, Monroe, MI
- Clinton River Watershed Council, Rochester Hills, MI
RainScaping - Get on the Map!
Flaunt your beautiful conservation project on the neighborhood map! You can post your rain barrels, tree plantings, native gardens and rain gardens, and more! When you post to the map, we can better determine our collective impact and inspire others.
Ask us!
Doug Reith
he/him
Resource Specialist