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Master Composter Certificate Program
Become a New York City Certified Master Composter. Have fun and make new friends while helping your community!
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QBG’s Master Composter Class of 2006 |
The Master Composter Certificate Program is a training course that covers how composting benefits backyards and gardens, as well as how composting fits into New York City’s waste management plans. Adapted by NYC Compost Project staff from Master Composter Projects carried out in other states, the course is a "train-the-trainer" style program with a community service component. Participants gain a thorough understanding of the composting process, receive detailed information on how to use finished compost, get hands-on experience in designing and building compost systems appropriate for many situations, and explore 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, working at demonstration sites, or presenting slide shows to civic associations.
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 1, 2010. Apply online
The Master Composter Certificate Program at Queens Botanical Garden is offered every spring beginning in March. QBG accepts 15 applicants per class and maintains a waiting list for future openings.
To learn more about the NYC Compost Project in Queens, visit our website.
Contact the NYC Compost Project in Queens staff by email or phone (718) 539-LWAN (5296) with your questions.
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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. | |
