Thurston County is currently accepting applications for its 2012 Master Recycler Composter volunteer training. The Master Recycler Composters of Thurston County is a volunteer service program. The county trains each Master Recycler Composter volunteer on how to become a community educator on solid waste issues such as waste reduction, recycling, and composting within Thurston County.

Thurston County will begin training Master Recycler Composter (MRC) volunteers starting Thursday, September 6. Participants receive background and hands-on training on a variety of recycling, composting, and waste prevention topics. Subjects include working with the public, worm bins, how to maintain compost piles, curbside and compost collection basics, recycling markets, waste prevention measures, and much more. Field trips include Dirt Works Demonstration Garden, Hawks Prairie Waste & Recovery Center, and the Pacific Disposal Recycling Facility.

MRC volunteers agree to give a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service in the next calendar year starting January 1, 2013. Master Recycler Composters can participate in a wide range of county waste reduction activities and community events, or work in their own neighborhoods, schools, or workplaces on projects encouraging waste reduction, recycling and composting. Five of the yearly service hours are to be dedicated toward continuing education—an important part of staying up to date with recycle and compost industry changes.

Master Recycler Composter trainees must attend all classes offered on Thursday evenings, 6 pm- 8:30 pm, September 6, 20, October 4, 11, and 18. There are also Saturday field trips from 9 am- 12 pm, September 22 and October 6.

Applications are due August 17, by 5 pm with acceptance letters issued by August 24.

For more information go to http://county.wsu.edu/thurston/gardening and click on “Master Recycler Composters”, call (360) 867-2162, or email Cori Carlton at carltoc@co.thurston.wa.us.