Hennepin County Master Recyclers/ Composters

Become a Master Recycler/Composter

Join fellow waste reduction enthusiasts and become an advocate for the three Rs in your community as a Hennepin County Master Recycler/Composter. 

Master Recycler/Composters are trained volunteers that work to reduce waste generation and increase public awareness of opportunities to recycle and compost. 

What is a Master Recycler/Composter?

Master Recycler/Composters are trained on waste prevention, recycling and composting through an extensive six week course that features industry experts and field trips to local waste processing and recycling facilities.

After completing training, participants commit to volunteer 30 hours. Volunteer activities include staffing booths at events and designing and implementing waste reduction and recycling projects. Once the 30 hour commitment is fulfilled, participants are certified Master Recycler/Composters and encouraged to continue volunteer service.

Is the Master Recycler/Composter Program right for me?

If you are enthusiastic about reducing waste and recycling, becoming a Master Recycler/Composter will allow you to help others in your community reduce waste, recycle more and compost. The purpose of the program is to create a volunteer pool of knowledgeable residents who inspire others in their community to reduce waste in the home and at work. 

Through the Master Recycler/Composter program, you will gain knowledge from the experts, experience working in the field and the satisfaction of having an impact on these important issues. You will also meet others who are excited about waste reduction and join a growing community of Master Recycler/Composters.

You must live or work in Hennepin County to be eligible for this program.

Master Recycler/Composter fall 2013 training course

The next Master Recycler/Composter training course will be held in fall 2013. Email the Master Recycler/Composter Program Coordinator to be notified when the fall 2013 course details and registration are available. 

Course topics

Course topics that will be covered include:

• Waste prevention
• Recycling processes
• Household hazardous waste and alternatives
• Organics recycling and home composting
• Zero waste events
• Public engagement and the psychology of sustainable behavior

Classes are taught by professionals from the public and private sector who are working on innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Course graduates agree to volunteer 30 hours putting their skills to work to help others learn the three Rs: reduce the amount of natural resources used, reuse material and recycle what cannot be salvaged.

Cost

The course costs $30 and includes all course materials. A limited number of waivers are available on a demonstrated need basis. The $30 charge will not be due until you receive notification that your application has been accepted for the spring course.

Registration

 The class is limited to 30 participants. Applications will be accepted until the class is full, and applications will be processed in the order they are received. The $30 charge is not due until you receive notification that your application has been accepted.

Need volunteer help at your event or for a waste reduction or recycling project?

If you have a project or event that could use Master Recycler/Composter volunteers, email the Master Recycler/Composter Program Coordinator or call 612-596-0993. Applicable volunteer opportunities for Master Recycler/Composters include designing and implementing waste reduction and recycling plans, staffing booths at events, and creating educational resources and displays.

For more information

If you have questions about the program, please email the Master Recycler/Composter Program Coordinator or call 612-596-0993.