Climate
North Yorkshire Council: Help Your Home and Community Become More Flood‑Resilient
North Yorkshire Council is encouraging residents to take advantage of subsidised compost bins and water butts, now available to order at reduced prices. These simple additions to your garden can make a real difference to local flood resilience and the health of our environment.
Published: 6 May 2026
Why it matters
Heavy rainfall places huge pressure on drains and sewers, especially in built‑up areas. By capturing rainwater and improving how water is absorbed in our gardens, residents can help reduce the volume of water entering the main sewer network — lowering the risk of surface‑water flooding in our towns and villages.
How you can help
- Install a water butt Collecting rainwater from your roof reduces the amount flowing into drains. It also gives you a free supply of water for your garden during dry spells.
- Choose permeable surfaces When building or updating driveways, patios or paths, opt for permeable materials that allow rainwater to soak into the ground rather than run off into drains.
- Create water‑holding areas Features such as rain gardens, ponds, swales or simply areas of planting help slow down and store rainfall, easing pressure on the drainage system.
- Use compost to improve soil health Healthy soil absorbs more water. Using locally subsidised compost enriches your garden and helps reduce runoff.
Website to purchase Water Butts and Composters: https://getcomposting.com