Ramsey County residents receive a 30 percent discount. When ordering, enter the discount code “Ramsey” to get the discount. When picking up the bin or barrel, customers may be asked to show proof of residency.

Home composting is a way to trim your trash and get free garden mulch or soil supplement. Use your bin to compost food scraps, including fruit and vegetable peels, breads, pastas, grains, coffee grounds and filters, eggshells and tea bags. Yard wastes such as leaves, grass and garden waste can also be composted.

Naturally occurring microbes convert material to an organic soil amendment or mulch. Gardeners use compost to improve soil and add nutrients needed for plant growth. Incorporating compost into light, sandy soil helps it hold moisture and nutrients, while adding it to heavy soil improves drainage.

Collecting rainwater also offers many advantages to the homeowner. Rainwater is naturally soft, without minerals, chlorine, fluoride or other chemicals. This helps improve the health of lawn and gardens. Rain barrels can hold up to 45 gallons of water, reducing water usage and saving money.

Call 651-641-4589 or visit recycleminnesota.org and select “Start planning for spring” to order a rain barrel or compost bin.