The City of West Chicago, in partnership with The Conservation Foundation, announces the 2025 Rain Barrel Program. This annual initiative provides residents with an opportunity to purchase rain barrels at a discounted price, helping conserve water while reducing storm runoff.

Mail-in orders for rain barrels will be accepted through Thursday, May 29, and online orders will be accepted through Monday, June 2. To purchase a rain barrel, visit the UpCycle Products webpage at the UpCycle Products Rain Barrel Program.

Rain barrels can be picked up on Saturday, June 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Metra Station Parking Lot. Home delivery is also available, though it may take up to 10 business days.

These rain barrels are repurposed industrial-sized food containers that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Each barrel holds 50-60 gallons and comes in multiple colors. The tops are safely screened, and the barrels feature a pre-installed spigot and overflow for ease of use.

Rain barrels offer several benefits, such as collecting clean, fresh water for outdoor uses like watering plants, washing cars, or topping off a pool. They also help reduce stormwater runoff, which can carry harmful contaminants like soil, fertilizers, and pesticides into nearby water bodies, leading to algae growth and disrupted fish habitats.