Master Composter Certificate Program

Become a New York City Certified Master Composter. Have fun and make new friends while helping your community!

The Master Composter Certificate Program is a "train-the-trainer" program with a community service component. The course is for residents who would like to help the NYC Compost Project increase and promote composting in NYC.

This course covers the following topics:

the small-scale composting process
how to use finished compost
how to design and build on-site compost systems
techniques for teaching others about composting

Anyone who has an interest in composting can become a Master Composter! The prerequisites are an enthusiasm for acquiring and sharing knowledge about composting and the interest and time to participate. Master Composters are valued volunteers trained to educate the public and stimulate enthusiasm for home composting.

Course Requirements: To become a master composter requires 18-23 hours of classroom instruction, two field trips, plus 15 hours of supervised community training, and 15 hours of independent projects/community service. Participants design projects according to their interests; projects might include giving classes at schools, building compost bins at community gardens, giving workshops at block parties, creating a community compost site or working to improve current NYC Compost Project Community Compost Sites.

Eligibility: Participants must live or work in New York City.

Fee: The Master Composter Certificate course is offered every spring by the NYC Compost Projects at the botanical gardens in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island. The Manhattan Compost Project offers the program in the fall. Course material fee $40; limited scholarships are available.

Deadline: February 8, 2013. Apply online

The Master Composter Certificate Program at Queens Botanical Garden is offered every spring beginning in March.

Contact the NYC Compost Project in Queens staff by email or phone 718.539.LAWN (5296) with your questions.

The NYC Compost Project is funded and managed by the New York City Department of Sanitation's Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling. NYC Compost Project programs are carried out by Department-funded staff at the City's Botanical Gardens and the Lower East Side Ecology Center.