What is the Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Program?

The Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Program is a county-based volunteer service program managed through the WSU Thurston County Extension office in Olympia.  Master Recycler Composter (MRC) volunteers are the cornerstone of the program and are the go-to resource for Thurston County residents seeking research-based, localized information on recycling, waste reduction, and composting.

What do Master Recycler Composter volunteers do?

Master Recycler Composter (MRC) volunteers are trained on how to reduce waste and increase public awareness of opportunities to prevent waste, recycle and compost in Thurston County.

MRC volunteers serve with local organizations, community members, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, or at special events encouraging waste prevention, recycling, and composting. On-going continuing education opportunities are provided to all MRC volunteers to stay up to date on the ever-changing landscape of recycling regulations, waste reduction techniques, and composting science.

Thurston County MRC volunteers agree to give a minimum of 25 hours of yearly service to put their knowledge to use in our community and to maintain volunteer certification. This includes 5 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of volunteer activities.

Being an MRC volunteer takes time and commitment, and may not be for everyone, but it does have many benefits. Thurston County Master Recycler Composter volunteers:

• Have access to continuing education opportunities to expand their knowledge and better serve the public in the fields of waste reduction, recycling, and composting;
• Make a positive difference in Thurston County;
• Develop friendships with other passionate MRC volunteers;
• Have fun!

How do I become a certified Master Recycler Composter volunteer?

If you have a passion for recycling, waste reduction, and composting and want to serve your community as a volunteer to raise awareness, then consider becoming a Thurston County Master Recycler Composter volunteer (MRC).

All certified MRC volunteers go through the MRC Volunteer Training to help prepare them for their role as volunteers.  After completion of training, MRC volunteers commit to a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service per year to maintain certification. Volunteer service must be completed within Thurston County.

To become an MRC Volunteer you must be 18 years of age or older, and either live, work, or operate a business in Thurston County.

What is the Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Training?

The annual MRC Volunteer Training is taught by WSU Extension staff, Thurston County staff who specialize in recycling and waste reduction, and regional experts.

Training topics include waste prevention, recycling processes and markets, home (yard and worm) composting, wasting less food, repurposing items, greener buying choices, community outreach, youth programming, plus so much more.  Training focuses on Thurston County and Washington specific information regarding solid waste management practices, recycling processes, etc.