Rain Barrel Program
The Office of Green Infrastructure is helping residents get free or discounted rain barrels to create a more sustainable and resilient City!
Summer 2023, the City of Boston received over 22 inches of rain in just three months. Conversely, in 2022 the City experienced drought, receiving only 0.77 inches during the month of July. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is expected to keep increasing, threatening both more floods and more droughts. Rain barrels can be part of the solution!
What Are Rain Barrels?
Rain barrels are Green Infrastructure features that:
- Reduce flooding by capturing rainwater from roofs and gutters
- Improve water quality by keeping pollutants out of our waterways
- Provide an alternative source of water during droughts
- Help residents save money on their water bill
GETTING A RAIN BARREL
To increase access to rain barrels for City residents, the City of Boston has a program to provide access to discounted rain barrels AND hosts periodic lotteries to give away free rain barrels.
Rain Barrel Giveaway
The City of Boston is giving away (300) free rain barrels to Boston residents to promote green infrastructure, reduce flooding, improve water quality and help residents save money on their water bill.
Why get a rain barrel? The average household spends 40% of its summer water usage outdoors. Rain barrels can help you save on your water bill, reduce stormwater runoff and prevent pollutants like oil and debris from entering our waterways. The market price for a 50 gallon rain barrel ranges from $119-160. Rain barrels are an essential green infrastructure feature that helps create a more sustainable, resilient city.
GIVEAWAY RULES:
-
Must be a resident of the City of Boston
-
Must pick up rain barrel in Boston
-
One rain barrel per residential unit
-
One rain barrel per resident per calendar year
If you have a disability that prevents you from moving the 20-pound barrel, please email us: green.infrastructure@boston.gov
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY
Sign-ups for the 2026 Spring Rain Barrel Giveaway are now open!
Sign Up Here: Rain Barrel Giveaway
Questions? Email green.infrastructure@boston.gov
TIMELINE:
February/March: Sign-ups
May: Winners announced
May/June: Barrel pick-up
Follow us on social media (@BosGreenIn) to stay informed about the giveaway!
Discounted Rain Barrels
The market price of a 55-gallon rain barrel is $119-160. Discounted rain barrels through the City’s partnership with The Great American Rain Barrel cost $80-$89 (varies by color).
HOW TO BUY A DISCOUNTED RAIN BARREL:
-
Visit The Great American Rain Barrel Community Programs webpage
-
Select your State (Massachusetts), select your Town (Boston)
-
Follow the ordering instructions
If you have a disability that prevents you from moving the 20-pound barrel, please email us: green.infrastructure@boston.gov
TIMELINE:
Summer Distribution: Rain barrels must be purchased by Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (EST)
Pick Up: Rain barrels will be available for pick-up on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (EST)
Address: Orleans Packing Parking Lot, 1715 Hyde Park, Hyde Park, MA 02136
Please do not purchase if you cannot pick up at this time and location
