Rain Barrel Giveaway Program - DEP

Environmental Protection


Programs & Initiatives


Rain Barrel Giveaway Program

Rain barrels connect directly to your property’s gutter or downspout to capture and store the rainwater that falls on your rooftop. You can use the stored rainwater for outdoor chores, like gardening or washing your car. Using a rain barrel can save you money, as outdoor chores can account for up to 40 percent of an average household’s water use during the summer. In New York City, rain barrels also help to reduce the amount of Combined Sewer Overflows that enter the City’s sewer system, which protects the health of local waterways.

We partner with elected officials to organize rain barrel distribution events in select neighborhoods throughout the city. If you are interested in learning more about this program, contact your local elected official to ask if they have or are planning to schedule a rain barrel giveaway event.

Each homeowner who obtains a free rain barrel through our program receives an installation kit and instructions. Rain barrels should only be used for non-potable (non-drinking) purposes, such as gardening, and must be disconnected from the downspout during the winter months to avoid freezing.

If you received a free rain barrel through our program, visit Rain Barrel Assembly, Installation, Maintenance and Warranty to learn more about rain barrel installation, winterization, maintenance, and warranty.