Eligible Rebate Items

Your voucher will indicate eligible rebate items based on your home's tax district. Eligible items can vary by community! Please refer to the chart below and your voucher to determine what you are eligible for. Rebates will ONLY be approved if you are eligible for these items based on your community AND if items meet the requirements listed below. 

Rebates Available by Tax District 

Tax District	Rain Barrel	Native Trees & Shrubs	Native Perennials	Compost Bin
Columbus	$50 Rebate	$50 Rebate	$25 Rebate	Purchase a special SWACO On-the-Ground Compost Bin for $30 (value $100+)
Bexley, Canal Winchester, Dublin,  Gahanna, Grandview,  Grove City, Hilliard,  Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington, and Franklin County Townships	$50 Rebate	$50 Rebate	$25 Rebate	Purchase a special SWACO On-the-Ground Compost Bin for $30 (value $100+)  - OR -  $50 Rebate
Obetz	$50 Rebate	$50 Rebate	$50 Rebate	Purchase a special SWACO On-the-Ground Compost Bin for $30 (value $100+)  - OR -  $50 Rebate
New Albany	$50 Rebate	$50 Rebate Shrubs - OR - $100 Rebate Trees	$50 Rebate	Purchase a special SWACO On-the-Ground Compost Bin for $30 (value $100+)  - OR -  $50 Rebate

Rebate Requirements 

1. Rain Barrel Rebates: Rain barrels must have a properly installed, LEVEL diverter system (purchased separately or as part of unit). Must have a lid (no screens or open tops) and diverter. No rain barrels with direct/cut downspouts will be accepted. We highly recommend the EarthMark/EarthMinded RainStation. It includes the rain barrel and diverter kit as well as a winterization plug and the instructions. It comes in three colors - terra cotta, black, and gray. It is commonly available at local stores like City Folk's Farm Shop, big box stores, and online. 

 2. Compost Bin Rebates: Only compost bins that are an "enclosed bin", pre-fabricated unit meant for outdoor use or vermi-composters/worm bins will be reimbursed. This will typically include tumblers, on-ground units and vermi-composters. Reimbursements will NOT be applied to indoor composting units like countertop compost pails, DIY/homemade bins, or home-composting services such as The Compost Exchange. All compost bins must be totally enclosed and therefore rodent-proof in order to receive reimbursement! 

• Option 1 - Enclosed, On-the-Ground Compost Bin Rebates: Great option for those with space and ability to turn it. Sit directly on the ground and allow microorganisms to enter and break things down for you! Most come with a lid, ventilation, and an access door to your finished compost. It must have a rodent-proof bottom in order to receive reimbursement. Some do not come with a bottom, so it might require an extra step and some DIY to make it rodent-proof. 
  • Rodent-Proof Construction:
    • Construct out of ½” inch hardware cloth or welded wire
    • Cover vents with ¼” to ½” wire mesh
    • Use secure, tight-fitting lid
    • Prevent rats from burrowing under the compost. Suggestions:¼” to ½” wire mesh over a wooden pallet; dig out the soil and lay 3 to 4 inches of coarse gravel and ¼” to ½” galvanized hardware cloth; solid foundation of concrete or patio stones

• Option 2 - Tumblers: Great option for those who want a smaller bin and something easier to turn than an on-the-ground bin. Because they are often smaller, they might not be the optimal size compost bin of 1 cubic yard. However, under ideal conditions, they can make compost quickly. Price can vary greatly. 

• Option 3 - Vermicompost Bins: Great option if you don't have a yard! We recommend the Worm Factory 360 unit which is available at City Folk's Farm Shop, Amazon and more. Stackable trays allows for multiple batches to be going at once. Requires additional purchase of worms which are not eligible for reimbursement. Can't compost very much at a time compared to other bins. Worms can be somewhat picky about what they like to eat. Bin must stay around 55-80 degrees in order for the worms to survive. 

4. Native Plant Rebates: Native perennials, shrubs, grasses, and trees are highly recommended and preferred. When in doubt, "Go Native!" We will NOT reimburse any cultivar or variety of an invasive plant species, annuals, vegetables, herbs, aquatics or seeds. 

• For a list of invasive plants and plants to avoid, check out our Invasive, Do-Not-Plant List. It is updated every year. We will NOT reimburse any kind, varieties or any cultivars of items listed on our Invasive Species/Do-Not-Plant List. Take it with you when you do your shopping to make sure you're not purchasing any invasive plants or plants of concern.