1. Master Composter Program Beneficial for your community!

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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

5. Who can become a Master Composter? Anyone who wants to learn about composting promote composting Beginners are welcome

6. RCM’s Master Composter delivery services: Organize course logistics Advertise Select participants Prepare course materials Deliver the course Support volunteer network

7. Course activities Learn advanced composting and outreach skills In-class presentations, group discussions, practical activities, games, videos Tour of a local waste initiative Exam

8. 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…

9. Course curriculum Outreach education How to set-up a demo-site, school programs, bin sale etc… Presentations skills

10. Steinbach Master Composter Class

11. Steinbach’s composting site tour

12. Certified Master Composters

13. Participants receive: Free training Food Certificate Resource kit valued at $65 Training manual Composting tools: aerator, kitchen collection pail, book

14. Participants also receive: Compost thermometer after completing 30-hour commitment Master Composter Newsletter Invitations to fun and educational activities and events

15. Continuing education for trained Master Composters

16. 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 ….

17. Delivered composting presentations

18. Staffed composting displays

19. Harvested vermicompost

20. Helped out during compost bin sales

21. Set up indoor composting systems at schools, workplaces etc.

22. Implemented windrow composting program for municipal park waste Built compost bins in community gardens

23. Set up and maintained compost demonstration sites

24. How to pay for this course? Operational budget Apply for a grant WRAPP/SDIF Sponsorship Share costs with other municipalities Plan in advance!

25. 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. $6,700 10 participants approx. $6,200 Negotiable

26. 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

27. Contact information Sylvie H é bert, Compost Project Coordinator Toll Free 1-866-394-8880 ext 1. 303 Portage Ave, 3 rd Floor, Winnipeg MB sylvie@resourceconservation.mb.ca www.resourceconservation.mb.ca

28. Questions?