Master Recyclers are trained volunteers who work with the community to help spread the word about the benefits of waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Participants receive 19 hours of free training. In return, they agree to spend 30 hours during the following year working as community volunteers.

Master Recyclers can participate in a wide range of activities, including staffing booths and displays at community events, helping monitor cafeteria food waste composting, and picking up litter in local communities. Master Recyclers may also work in their own neighborhoods, schools or offices to encourage waste reduction and recycling.

The spring course will be held on Tuesdays, March 2 through March 30 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The classes will be held at the Thurston County Public Works Building at 2404 Heritage Court in Olympia.

The group will also meet on Saturdays, March 13 and March 27 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., for field trips to a local recycling facility, compost demonstration garden, Silver Springs Organics commercial composting facility, and the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center.

Class size is limited to 20. Applications will be accepted until February 22, 2010.

If you need more information, please e-mail Colleen Uuereb at uuerebc@co.thurston.wa.us or call 786-5269.