City news
2025 Rain Barrel Program Orders Accepted through June
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.