Master Composter Program Beneficial for your community!
What is RCM’s Master Composter Training Program? Free train-the-trainer course on composting Requirement to complete 30 hours of volunteer time in the community over a two year period 18-hour course (for outside Winnipeg) Similar courses worldwide
RCM’s Master Composter Courses Manitoba: Since 2004, RCM has offered 7 Master Composter courses 4 in Winnipeg 3 outside Winnipeg (2007) – pilot project over 70 Master Composters trained over 2000 volunteer hours!
Benefits for the Municipalities Crew of committed volunteers working for you by educating others on composting! 15 participants x 30 hours = 450 hours! Increase composting in your community Organic waste diversion Methane and biogas reduction Money savings
Who can become a Master Composter? Anyone who wants to learn about composting promote composting Beginners are welcome
RCM’s Master Composter delivery services: Organize course logistics Advertise Select participants Prepare course materials Deliver the course Support volunteer network
Course activities Learn advanced composting and outreach skills In-class presentations, group discussions, practical activities, games, videos Tour of a local waste initiative Exam
Course curriculum Compost Education includes: Benefits of composting Troubleshooting Bin types and methods Simplified science: biology of the compost pile, compost and plant health Vermicomposting Grasscycling And much more…
Course curriculum Outreach education How to set-up a demo-site, school programs, bin sale etc… Presentations skills
Steinbach Master Composter Class
Steinbach’s composting site tour
Certified Master Composters
Participants receive: Free training Food Certificate Resource kit valued at $65 Training manual Composting tools: aerator, kitchen collection pail, book
Participants also receive: Compost thermometer after completing 30-hour commitment Master Composter Newsletter Invitations to fun and educational activities and events
Continuing education for trained Master Composters
As part of their volunteering, RCM Master Composters have… Helped their neighbors start composting Promoted composting on the radio Applied compost in municipal flowerbeds AND ….
Delivered composting presentations
Staffed composting displays
Harvested vermicompost
Helped out during compost bin sales
Set up indoor composting systems at schools, workplaces etc.
Implemented windrow composting program for municipal park waste Built compost bins in community gardens
Set up and maintained compost demonstration sites
How to pay for this course? Operational budget Apply for a grant WRAPP/SDIF Sponsorship Share costs with other municipalities Plan in advance!
Costs of offering a MC course Will vary depending on Location of community – distance Number of participants 2-hour distance from Winnipeg If in-kind venue and advertising: 15 participants approx. $6, participants approx. $6,200 Negotiable
Other RCM Composting Services Toll-free composting help line and website Free workshops pay for mileage (maybe accommodations) donations accepted! How-to compost information factsheets and booklets Templates for demo site signs Educational support for compost bin sales
Contact information Sylvie H é bert, Compost Project Coordinator Toll Free ext Portage Ave, 3 rd Floor, Winnipeg MB
Questions?