Become a Community Recycling Ambassador

Join fellow waste reduction enthusiasts and inspire others to reduce, reuse and recycle as a Hennepin County Community Recycling Ambassador!

Community Recycling Ambassadors (CRAs) are trained on waste prevention, recycling and composting, and effective communication skills through a six-week course, with one class each week, taught by industry experts and community leaders. The training also includes field trips to local waste processing and recycling facilities when possible.

Once training is complete, participants commit to volunteering 30-hours putting their skills to work on projects and activities that minimize waste and provide waste reduction, recycling and composting education. Community Recycling Ambassadors have the flexibility to pursue and create waste-reduction focused volunteer opportunities that interest them and serve their communities’ unique needs.

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Upcoming trainings

Fall 2025 class

The fall 2025 class will be held in-person every Tuesday from September 9 through October 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Washburn Library conference room (5244 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis).

The application for the fall class will open on Tuesday, August 5 and close on Tuesday, August 26. The link to apply for the class will be posted on this page when available.

How to apply

Before applying, please ensure that you meet the following requirements:

You are 18 years of age or older
You live, work, or go to school within Hennepin County
You are available for all six class sessions
You can commit to 30 hours of volunteering after the class completes

Add your email to the list at the bottom of this page to be notified of future training opportunities.

Program details

As a Community Recycling Ambassador, you will support and inspire others in your community to reduce waste, recycle more and compost. You will also gain knowledge from experts, get experience volunteering in the field, and join a large community of volunteers who are enthusiastic about waste reduction and helping others.

Course topics

Waste prevention and thoughtful consumption
Recycling process and sorting information
Organics recycling and home composting
Addressing bias and privilege when volunteering
Public engagement and the motivating behavior change

This course gives participants the tools and education they need to be successful Community Recycling Ambassador volunteers; no prior knowledge about waste or recycling is required. Hennepin County provides ongoing support, resources and continuing education to volunteers.

Participant commitment

Participants agree to attend all six class dates and to dedicate approximately 1-hour per week of independent study outside of class. Any field trips are optional but highly encouraged.

Participants commit to volunteer 30-hours of public outreach after graduating from the class. When the 30-hour commitment is fulfilled, participants are considered certified Community Recycling Ambassadors and are encouraged to continue their volunteer service.

The commitment to use their newfound knowledge and skills to give back to their community is what makes Community Recycling Ambassador volunteers so special!

Get help from a Community Recycling Ambassador

If you have a project or event that could use Community Recycling Ambassador volunteers, email Kirsten Wahlberg at kirsten.wahlberg@hennepin.us.

Applicable volunteer opportunities for Community Recycling Ambassadors can include:

Designing and implementing waste reduction and recycling plans
Staffing booths and monitoring waste at events
Creating educational resources and displays
Giving educational talks/presentations to all ages
Food rescue activities