Learn which materials are accepted in curbside composting and recycling, and how to keep edible food from going to waste, with the King County Master Recycler Composter (MRC) volunteer training in Kent.
 
Now in its 27th year, the 2016 training includes three mandatory classroom sessions on Saturdays – from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 26, April 2, and 9, with an optional field trip April 30 to a composting facility.
 
“While most King County residents recycle, still more than 78 percent of what ends up in the county’s landfill could have been recycled or composted,” said Karen May, Master Recycler Composter program manager. “This training gives participants the tools to help people prevent waste and compost more.”
 
Program participants will:
 
• Learn what materials can be recycled or composted at curbside.
• Discover food waste prevention tactics, such as smart shopping, storage and preparation.
• Learn about the impacts solid waste has on climate change.
• Practice effective public outreach and education skills that can be used in a variety of settings.
 
The 2016 MRC training series will be at the Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. Once the training has been completed, participants can attend free ongoing learning opportunities, such as recycling facility field trips and composting workshops. Training is open to all King County adult residents living outside the cities of Seattle and Milton.
 
In exchange for the free training, MRC program graduates commit to volunteer 25 hours for public outreach at community events planned by county employees and an independent project in their community.
 
Master Recycle Composter volunteers participate in a variety of environments, including tabling at farmer’s markets and community festivals and sharing information with coworkers at a lunch presentation or through a workshop with neighbors or friends. Most tabling outreach occurs on weekends and many events will take place in south King County.
 
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The training site is wheelchair accessible and reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Please provide two weeks’ notice prior to the training if a sign language interpreter is needed.
 
The Master Recycler Composter program is a King County program that is managed by Seattle Tilth. Applications are due March 18. For more information, or to obtain an application for the training, visit www.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/mrc/index; kingcountymrc@seattletilth.org; or 206-633-0451, ext. 102.