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Cornell University

Master Composter Volunteer Program
Become involved in the community by teaching others to compost.

 

Who are Master Composters?
Master Composter projects in Tompkins County include
Reasons to Join the Master Composter Program
How do I become a Master Composter?
Master Composters have fun while helping their community.
Download the Master Composter Application
How does the Master Composter program benefit the community?
Return to Compost Education Home Page

Who are Master Composters?

Master Composters are a group of volunteers trained to educate the public about, and instill enthusiasm for, composting.  Volunteers achieve these goals in a number of ways. They conduct workshops at Demonstration Sites throughout the county. Through exhibits and demonstrations, they provide information at community events held during the year at various locations. Volunteers also offer troubleshooting and technical assistance to composters in the community.

Anyone who has an interest in or basic knowledge of composting can become a Master Composter.  The only requirements are enthusiasm for acquiring and sharing knowledge about composting and the interest and time to participate.

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Reasons to Join the Master Composter Program . . .

*  acquire new knowledge and the skills shared by composting experts

*  reduce waste and produce some wonderful humus for gardening

*  improve your teaching and leadership skills through community education

*  gain a sense of satisfaction by initiating community composting efforts

*  make new friends and work as a team with others who share your interests

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How does the Master Composter program benefit the community?

The Master Composter program benefits the whole community by furthering the goals of the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division to reduce the amount of compostable materials going into landfills. In addition to reducing waste, educating people about compost has additional benefits in terms of helping households reduce costs of disposal, reduce expenses or gardening amendments, and improve soil and water quality.

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Master Composters have fun while helping their community!

*  attend and lead workshops and demonstrations *  help manage the demonstration sites
*  write articles or fact sheets *  speak to local civic groups and clubs
*  staff information booths at public events *  plan and staff the annual Compost Fair
*  assist with youth programs *  provide technical compost assistance

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Master Composter projects in Tompkins County, NY include . . .

*  compost bin evaluations * volunteer planning meetings
*  compost demonstration sites *  school and youth programs
*  workshops and presentations composting projects at special events
*  exhibits at community events Compost Theatre
*  the annual Compost Fair Festival Composting (ie. Grassroots)

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How do I become a Master Composter?

To become a Master Composter, request a volunteer job description and application by calling Cooperative Extension at (607) 272-2292 or download the forms below. After we review your application, we will schedule an interview.

Master Composter training includes both classroom sessions and practical education through volunteering. In the classes, individuals with composting expertise provide in-depth instruction about various aspects of composting and the importance of composting in waste management.

For more details about the program, including the qualifications for trainees and descriptions of the components of the program and volunteer activities, click here or download the Master Composter Job Description (below)

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Download the following:

Master Composter Job Description (pdf file)

Master Composter Volunteer Application (pdf file)

CCE Tompkins County Volunteer Application (pdf file)


To open and print pdf files, you will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader software on your computer.
Adobe's website
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To apply for the Master Composter Program, please print out and complete BOTH the Master Composter Volunteer Application and the Extension Association Volunteer Information Form (each application has two pages). Either fax (607) 272-7088, drop off, or mail them to our office by Friday, January 30:

 

Compost Education Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
615 Willow Avenue
Ithaca, NY 14850

Thank you for your interest!

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Master Composters are at your service . . .

*  slide presentations and talks for your group *  bin plans and suppliers
*  technical assistance *  fact sheets and bulletins
*  public workshop dates
*  school or youth programs

To learn more about composting or the Master Composter program, contact the local Cooperative Extension in your county. If you live in Tompkins County, contact:

Compost Education Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
615 Willow Avenue
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272 - 2292 x 124

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Return to Compost Education Home Page

 

Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension : Tompkins County : Programs : Compost : Master Composters
Address: 615 Willow Ave; Phone: 607-272-2292; FAX: 607-272-7088; Email: tompkins@cornell.edu

Last Updated: January 8, 2009
Contact: Adam Michaelides