Master Recycler Composters
Washington State University -- Lewis County Extension Master Recycler Composter Program
The Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Program is a collaboration between the following agencies: WSU, USDA and Lewis County.
The 2012 Training program will be held in April 2012. Classes will be held in Chehalis or Morton.
Follow the link to learn more.
Goals of the program
The goals of the program is to train team volunteers to do the following:
Work to help the general public learn to reduce, reuse, and recycle solid waste.- Provide information on a variety of recycling and composting options.
- Assist the public with information and demonstrate techniques which encourage individual responsibility for waste reduction.
Primary responsibilities of a Master recycler composter
A master recycler composter has two primary responsibilities:
- Assist with a composting or recycling demonstration site.
- Provide public outreach at various community festivals, public activities, and educational forums.
Additional activities of a master recycler composter
Master recycler composters may be called upon to do the following:
Assist in preparing and staffing exhibits, displays, and demonstration sites.- Serve as a recycling or composting educator and resource person in the community.
- Assist in planning, coordinating, and providing publicity for classes, workshops, and demonstrations.
- Market and promote the educational resources of WSU Extension and Lewis County Solid Waste Services.
- Teach home composting, waste reduction, and recycling classes.
How to become a master recycler composter
Request an application packet from the WSU Lewis County Extension Office Mon-Fri 9:00 A.M. to 4 P.M. and register for the program.
Submit to a criminal background check.
Complete 12 hours of classroom instruction (two 6-hr classes) and several hours reading the course material.
Complete 25 hours of volunteer service during the twelve month period following completion of the class.
Who conducts the master recycler composter training
The training is conducted by WSU extension faculty, Solid Waste Services staff, and trained Master Recycler Composter volunteers.
Master Recycler Composter Class Syllabus
The classroom training covers the following topics:
- Overview of the solid waste problem in Lewis County.
- Tour of Central Transfer Station and Hazo Hut in Centralia.
- Recycling yard and kitchen waste.
- Hand-on construction of a compost pile and worm bin.
- Tour a commercial composting facility.
- Overview of Household hazardous materials.
- Safer alternatives to home and garden chemicals.
- How garden chemicals and fertilizers impact surface and ground water.
- Tour Centralia Waste Water Treatment plant and demonstration Garden.
- How to target your audience.
- Effective communication skills.
- Educational tools and resources available for teaching recycling, composting and water quality.
Additional training is provided continually to further develop the volunteers knowledge and skills. Here are some additional trainings:
- Field trips to observe recycling and composting activities in other counties and cities.
- Educational speakers at monthly meetings.
- Seminars and courses offered by WSU, or other accredited organizations.
Cost of the Training
A $50.00 fee covers the cost of materials and other expenses. Receive a $25.00 rebate after completing your 25 hour of volunteer service.
For more information
Contact the Extension Office
- Address: Basement of Historic County Courthouse, 351 NW North Street, Chehalis, WA View Larger Map
- Contact Person:Debbie Burris
- Phone Number:(360) 740-1212
- e-mail: swu@lewiscountywa.gov