Through lectures, discussion-based sessions, and workshops, you will learn about the inner-workings of the field of sustainable materials management. Being a Master Composter/Recycler (MCR) is an excellent experience for your professional resume, especially if you are pursuing a career in an environmental science related field. The MCR course helps to build on your professional skills in conjunction with being a great opportunity for meeting new people with similar interests and talents. You’ll become a volunteer for your community, helping to drive SCR’s mission to empower our neighbors with the knowledge to manage materials in the most environmentally sustainable way while fostering community and increasing resiliency to environmental, economic, and public health risks.
Joining this class is a two-step process:
- First you’ll need to fill out a volunteer application and the course coordinator will review your qualifications and professional references.
- Then, the course coordinator will schedule an interview with you, either in person or online.
Once accepted, any further paperwork will be taken care of during the orientation week.
Upon completion of the training program, Master Composters/Recyclers are asked to share their training with the community in the form of 30 hours of volunteer work with Schenectady County Recycles. These hours can be spread out over a one year period, and volunteers work closely with their coordinator to choose the events or activities they'd like to contribute to. Independent projects may also be considered toward service hours, but must be approved by the coordinator.
Example Activities for Master Composter/Recycler Volunteers: - Answer questions about what & where to recycle, donate, and dispose of various items
- Assist with teaching classes that are open to the public
- Help with giving demonstrations to youth groups and community organizations
- Put together exhibits and educational displays for special events
- Offer support to improve recycling programs for special events, schools, apartment complexes, etc.
- Answer questions and offer technical assistance/advice related to backyard composting
- Write articles to contribute to a monthly newsletter
- Attend Master Composter/Recycler meetings, quarterly
- Help develop special events in Schenectady County to celebrate Earth Day and International Compost Awareness Week
- And much more! Extended Course: Master Composter/Recycler
Course Fee: There is a one-time fee of $80 that helps cover the costs of teaching materials and other expenses associated with the training program. A limited number of scholarships are available upon request.Space in this program is limited! The 12-session MCR Training will be held on:Thursday Evenings from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmFrom February 22nd, 2024 – May 9th, 2024All classes will be held via Zoom except the following dates, which are in person at the Sustainable Living Center in Central Park: 2/22, 5/2, 5/9
Field Trip Weeks:
We will take two in-person field trips on the following dates and therefore will not have a Thursday class:
March 23rd
April 27th
Application Deadline: Friday, February 16th, 2024.
After applications are received, candidates will be contacted for a short interview.
Questions? Contact Khila Pecoraro at SchenectadyRecycles@Cornell.edu
