Be a part of the solution… Become an Arlington Master Composter

In response to the need to keep yard trimmings out of our landfill, the City of Arlington in partnership with the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality, is offering a master composter Training Program for its citizens. This program, designed to train and recruit local volunteers who will promote backyard composting and yard waste reduction in their own neighborhoods, is open to anyone interested in learning how to compost in their own backyard.

COURSE DETAILS

Where: UTA SWEET Center, 406 Summit Avenue

When: Friday February 24, 2012, 6 to 9 pm
          Saturday February 25, 2012, 9 am to 4 pm 

Fee: No fee for Arlington residents.
       $20 for non-residents.

Attendance on both days is required to become a Master Composter. Master Composters will receive a total of 12 classrooms hours of formal training on appropriate yard trimmings management options.

WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE

Class graduates will receive books and workshop materials, and a compost thermometer.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH REQUIREMENTS

To complete their training, Master Composters are required to spend 20 volunteer hours on public education regarding composting. These hours may also be spent working at one of our compost demonstration sites, or training other citizens on the "how’s" and "why’s" of composting. Outreach opportunities will be tailored to suit individual needs.

Upon Completion of the 20 community service hours, students will be certified as Master Composters through the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and will receive a certificate during a City Council meeting.

The level of involvement is left up to the individual. We encourage individuals to at least complete the initial certificate requirements but it is not mandatory.

HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM

Since 1997, the Arlington Master Composter program has grown and become an intricate part of the City of Arlington’s solid waste reduction efforts. Master Composter volunteers teach composting classes and help the City with many environmental programs such as Yardwise training, the Arlington Organic House and Garden Show with Howard Garrett, and other special events such as the Computer Roundup and Earth Day.

Citizens from any city are welcome. Over the years, citizens from Mansfield, Fort Worth, Kennedale and Burleson have joined the Arlington Master Composer Program.

To learn more, feel free to contact Lorrie Anderle, City of Arlington Recycling Coordinator at 817-459-6778 or at Lorrie.Anderle@arlingtontx.gov.

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