Become a Master Recycler

Join fellow waste reduction enthusiasts and inspire others to reduce, reuse and recycle as a Hennepin County Master Recycler/Composter!

Master Recycler/Composters (MRCs) 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. MRCs have the flexibility to pursue and create waste-reduction focused volunteer opportunities that interest them and serve their communities’ unique needs.

Summer 2022 class schedule

The application for the summer class is now open!

Dates: Wednesdays from May 18 through June 22.

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Online via Zoom

Cost: Free!

Click here to complete your application.

The application will close at 11:59 p.m. on May 6, 2022.

Applicants will be notified whether they are accepted into the class by the end of the day on May 11, 2022.

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Upcoming trainings

There is one CRA training scheduled for 2024. The class will take place virtually via Zoom.

Spring 2024 class

Thursdays from February 15 through March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The application for the spring class is closed.

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

How to apply

The link to apply for the class will be posted on this page when available.

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
You have access to internet and a computer or similar device to attend class virtually

Course topics, schedule and registration

As a Master Recycler/Composter, you will inspire others in your community to reduce waste, recycle more and compost. You will also meet others who are excited about waste reduction, gain knowledge from experts, get experience working in the field and have the satisfaction of having an impact on these important issues.

Course topics

Waste prevention
Recycling processes
Household hazardous waste and alternatives
Organics recycling and home composting
Zero-waste events
Public engagement and the motivating behavior change

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.

Course schedule

The fall 2017 course will be held:

Dates: Tuesday evenings, October 24 and 31 and November 7, 14, 21 and 28
Time: 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Location: Colin Powell Center, 2924 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408

An optional field trip featuring tours of recycling and waste management facilities will take place on Friday, November 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Transportation for the field trip will be provided.

All Tuesday classes are mandatory; the Friday field trip is optional.

Cost

The course costs $30 and includes all course materials. A limited number of waivers are available on a demonstrated need basis.

Registration

The fall 2017 course is full and applications are no longer being accepted. To be notified when registration is open for the spring 2018 class, contact Carolyn Collopy at carolyn.collopy@hennepin.us or 612-596-0993.

Get help from a Community Recycling Ambassador

If you have a project or event that could use Community Recycling Ambassador volunteers, email Kaitlin Keller at kaitlin.keller@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