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Rain Barrel & Compost Bin Distribution Event

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1. Why choose an Upcycle rain barrel?

The following features help this program support a sustainable product that will help to conserve water and protect our local water sources:
• Made in the USA
• “Upcycled” product
• Composed from high quality, food-grade HDPE
• Low cost
• Designed for ease of use w/multiple connections
• Preassembled with brand new fittings
• Gravity-fed, no pump required
• Multiple rain barrels may be linked together
• Mosquito resistant lids
• One year warranty

2. What does the term Upcycle mean?

Upcycle means to repurpose a discarded object to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.

3. Are these barrels brand new?

No, Upcycle’s rain barrels and composters are not brand new barrels. Instead, food quality HDPE barrels that were previously used to ship food to the US from trade partners, are cleaned and outfitted with the new fittings and screens. The barrels will have some scuff marks and scratches from shipping and handling, but Upcycle inspects each barrel to ensure the structural integrity of the barrel is not compromised. The barrel shapes will also vary depending on what barrels are available to “Upcycle” at the time of the order.

4. Does Upcycle offer a warranty for the rain barrels?

Yes, the rain barrels come with a one year warranty on the material and workmanship.

5. Do I need to be a resident of Edmond to place an order?

No, it doesn’t matter where you live in the OKC metro. You may place your order with any of the 5 participating municipalities depending on which date(s) and pick-up location is more convenient for you. Please visit Upcycle’s webpage to find information on the other municipal events.

6. Is it illegal in Oklahoma to catch rain water?

No, it is not illegal in Oklahoma, it is actually encouraged.

7. Does the City of Edmond charge homeowners for catching rain water?

No, there is no charge or additional fee for homeowners to use rain barrels to catch and reuse rain water.

8. Does Edmond have an Upcycle rain barrel that I can see before purchasing?

Yes! The City of Edmond has an Upcycle terra cotta rain barrel on permanent display in the 1st floor lobby of the Planning & Public Works Building at 10 S Littler Ave. If you have questions about the program after looking at the rain barrel, please go upstairs to the Engineering Department on the 2nd floor to speak with the Event Coordinator, Jordan Copeland.

9. How do I purchase an item(s)?

For pickup in Edmond, visit Edmond’s order page on Upcycle’s website. Once you’ve selected an item you want to purchase, click the "Add to Cart" button. You will be redirected to your “Shopping Cart” on PayPal’s website. To order more than one product, click the “Continue Shopping” link in the upper right corner to return to Edmond’s order page on Upcycle’s website. When you’re ready to check out, you may choose to pay with either your PayPal account or by credit card through PayPal’s Guest Checkout. To pay by check, print off the order form, fill it out and mail it to Upcycle Products at P.O. Box 315, Channahon, IL 60410.

10. Why does Upcycle request my shipping address? Don’t I have to pick up my purchase during the event?

Providing your shipping address to Upcycle is just part of the normal ordering process when you use a credit card online. Your order will not be shipped to your home. You will be required to pick it up during the event.

11. Why does Upcycle request a phone number on the main order page?

Upcycle requests a phone number in order to provide the City of Edmond with a quick contact method should a homeowner neglect to pick up their order on the day of the event. The provided phone number will only be used to arrange a new pick-up time, and will not be shared or used for any other purpose.

12. I am having trouble placing an online order. Who do I call?

Please call Richard Fielding with Upcycle Products at (815) 735-9583.

13. Can my order be shipped directly to me?

No, all orders must be picked up during the event at Edmond’s Cross Timbers Municipal Complex.

14. Can I reserve a rain barrel online and pay for it during the event?

No, all products must be purchased directly from the vendor before the event.

15. Will there be extra rain barrels and composters available for purchase the day of the event?

No, the City of Edmond will only receive products that were pre-ordered. No additional barrels or accessory items will be available during the event for purchase or exchange.

16. What if I am not able to pick up my order the day(s) of the event?

We cannot guarantee holding your items for a later pick-up. You may have a friend or neighbor pick up your order for you as long as they have your name and order receipt.

17. What can I do if I miss the order deadlines?

Yukon, Midwest City, Norman, and Oklahoma City are also participating in this regional event and you may place an order through one of their programs, but you will have to pick up your order at their facility. Visit Upcycle’s webpage to find information on the other municipal events.

18. Will the rain barrel and compost bin fit in my car?

Yes, most 4-door sedans will be able to accommodate both products in either the back seat or front passenger seat. There may be some exceptions depending on the make and model of the car.

19. What are the dimensions of the rain barrel?

The rain barrels are 55-gal, 38” H x 22” D.

20. Does my Homeowner's Association (HOA) allow rain barrels?

We recommend you check with your HOA for appropriate placement, color or design of any rain barrel before purchasing and installing.

21. Where is the best place to put my rain barrel?

Choose a downspout on your house or garage that is closest to the plants you water the most. If you choose to set up a drip irrigation hose, remember that Upcycle’s rain barrels operate by gravity so be sure you install the barrel so the water can run downhill. If you want to put your rain barrel around the corner from where the gutter is located, Upcycle also offers flex hoses that will connect to your downspout and then wrap around the corner to direct the water into the barrel.

22. How do I install my rain barrel?

Your Upcycle rain barrel comes with all the components needed to start collecting rainwater. Read the setup instructions prior to installation. Be sure to attach a garden hose to the overflow fitting in the top section of the barrel so that when the barrel is full, the overflow can be diverted away from the foundation of your house and keep the barrel’s water level below the screen.

23. Do I need to elevate my rain barrel?

Elevating your rain barrel isn’t required for it to function, but since these barrels rely on gravity to drain the stored water, extra height will help increase the head pressure. For every foot of height you add to your rain barrel stand, you’ll gain 0.43 psi of head pressure. From a practical standpoint, the extra height will also make it easier to access the spigot at the base of the barrel. If you do choose to elevate your rain barrel, be sure to install on a solid, level foundation that will support 600 lbs.

24. What do I need to know about maintaining my rain barrel?

Upcycle’s rain barrels require very little maintenance. Keep the lid locked and the screen clear of debris. If the stored water begins to develop a foul smell, you may want to drain and clean the inside with a brush and fresh water. To clean the screen, simply remove the lid, carefully lift the dirty screen out and clean. Place the screen back onto the lid and screw back into place. If your screen is damaged, use the existing screen as a template and cut yourself a new one using a similar material which may be available at your local hardware store.

25. What are effective ways to prevent algae/mold growth in rain barrels?

Despite the appearance and scent, algae found in rain barrels are typically not harmful and the added nutrients may be beneficial to your soil and plants. However, here are a few options homeowners may use to help prevent algae growth in rain barrels:

• Upcycle rain barrels are made of food-grade HDPE that have natural UV inhibitors that will prevent sunlight from entering the barrel and encouraging algae growth.

• The simplest method is to regularly use and/or drain your barrel. Stagnant water promotes algal growth.

• Algae growth depends on sunlight, so install your rain barrel on the side of your home that receives the least amount of sun.

• In addition to sunlight, algae also needs nutrients to grow so keeping your home’s gutters free of leaves and debris will cut off the nutrient supply to the rain barrel.

• Vinegar or bleach may be used in small amounts to stifle algae growth. Add 1 cup of vinegar to a full rain barrel or add 1/8 tsp of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water in the rain barrel, stir, and let it stand for a day or two before using the water.

• Clean your rain barrel and attachments once per year with an eco-friendly cleansing agent.

26. How do I winterize my rain barrel?

You do not need to remove the fittings for winter. Upcycle uses plastic fittings because brass and steel do not interface well with plastic barrels. These items expand and contract at a different rate, which is the major cause of other manufacturer’s barrels leaking in a short period of time. The only thing you need to do to prepare for the winter season is to drain all the water out of the barrel, remove any hoses, remove the linking fitting cap, and open the ball valve. If the barrel fills with water and freezes, the barrel will crack and void Upcycle’s one year warranty.

27. What about mosquitoes?

Upcycle’s rain barrels are equipped with a mosquito-proof screen that prevents mosquitoes from entering. Make sure the supplied components are installed in their proper positions and you will not have to worry about mosquitoes.

28. What if I do not use all of the stored rainwater after a storm?

If you are having trouble using your rainwater, you may attach a hose to your barrel’s ball valve and extend it to your planting bed and then attach a soaker hose that will allow for drip irrigation. We recommend you manually open up the holes on the soaker hose with a knife or scissors after you decide where you want the water to drip out. Then through trial-and-error, you can determine to what degree the ball valve should be left open to provide enough pressure to drip onto your plants.