by Kim Czyz

2023 Rain Barrel Sale


Ottawa is Blooming Committee and The Conservation Foundation partner on Rain Barrel Sale

Ottawa, Illinois – The Ottawa is Blooming Committee is excited to announce its 8th annual rain barrel sale in partnership with The Conservation Foundation and Upcycle Products.

Rain barrels can be ordered online starting today. All online orders must be completed by Wednesday May 18, 2023.

Visit https://upcycle-products.com/il-programs/ot/ to order.

Mail-in order forms are also available at online and are due to Upcycle Products by Monday, May 15, 2023.

A composter is also available for residents interested in composting yard waste.


Rain barrels are containers that capture rainwater for later use in your garden, house plants, or to wash your car. Rain barrels effectively reduce the amount of rainwater that reaches the city’s sewer system and can help prevent the occurrence of drainage backups. City-wide use can help reduce flooding, as every gallon captured matters. The barrels also reduce pollution by capturing water that would otherwise mix with pesticides and automobile fluids that eventually flow to the river.

There will be a pickup day event held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Gardens Gate – 611 Dayton Road, Ottawa, IL 61350 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Rain barrels will not be sold at this event. They must be preordered.

The City of Ottawa Rain Barrel Program is consistent with city’s Combined Sewer Separation Long-term Control Plan, the Ottawa Flood Commission’s Campaign for Public Information, and the Ottawa is Blooming Committee’s environmental initiatives.

The Ottawa is Blooming Committee is tasked with helping Ottawa blossom through gardening, recognition of historic preservation efforts, celebrating Ottawa’s culture, promoting the arts, and implementation of environmental stewardship and projects.