Build Your Own Rain Barrel

Here is a good instructional video on how to build your own rain barrel:

The City of Chicago has slightly different instructions here: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/doe/supp_info/make_your_own_rainbarrel.html.

You can often access previously-used, food grade barrels at local food processing sites, like a local brewery or candy manufacturer. Try asking nicely.