Become an expert in the field of waste prevention

Register now for King County's 'Master Recycler Composter' Program in 2007

More than half of what comes to King County's Cedar Hills Regional Landfill as "garbage” is actually recyclable material.

To help reduce waste and extend the life of the landfill, King County's Solid Waste Division is again offering a free, comprehensive eight-week program that teaches the art of recycling and composting.

Program participants receive approximately 40 hours of training on waste prevention, recycling, home composting, natural yard care and alternatives to household hazardous waste disposal. The program is open to all King County residents living outside the City of Seattle.

In return for the training, program graduates are expected to share their knowledge and skills with others by volunteering at least 40 hours a year in the community.

Karen May, program coordinator for the Master Recycler Composter program, said King County has trained more than 550 volunteers since the program began in 1990.

"Those volunteers have provided nearly 17,000 hours of teaching others about recycling and composting through classroom presentations and staffing booths at community events,” May said.

Training sessions will run from Feb. 6 to March 27, 2007, at Sammamish High School, 100 140th Ave. SE in Bellevue. Sessions are set for Tuesdays, from 6:15 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Three Saturday sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be a part of the training. Field trips are tentatively set for Feb. 10, March 3 and March 17, and will feature field trips, hands-on activities and tours.

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.

Applications are due Feb. 2. For more information or to obtain an application for the training, visit www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/mrc or contact May at 206-296-4353 or at karen.may@kingcounty.gov. To request special accommodations, contact May by Jan. 15.