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Master Composter Recycler Volunteer Program

Public Works | Solid Waste Division

Welcome to the Skagit County Master Composter Recycler Training Program. The Skagit County Solid Waste Division hosts this no-cost certification training. The training prepares you to become a knowledgeable waste reduction educator, with a focus on composting, recycling, and sustainable living.

The program includes over 20 hours of instruction. Topics include backyard composting, vermicomposting, waste reduction, green cleaning, and more. You also take part in hands-on learning and field experiences.

Field trip to lautenbachs

After you complete the training, you serve as a certified Master Composter Recycler. You give back to the community through volunteer service. You share what you learn at events, at demonstration sites, and in your own neighborhood.

This page is for accepted applicants. You can use it to access weekly training resources and materials as part of your official volunteer training.

If you want to take part in the program training but missed the application deadline, email the program coordinator at calliem@co.skagit.wa.us for more information and future training opportunities.

Class resources are grouped by topic below. Use them to prepare for and review each class.

2026 training schedule (PDF)

Training Materials

Topic 1: Solid Waste in Skagit County

Use these required and supplemental materials to learn about solid waste systems in Skagit County and beyond.

Required and supplemental materials

Topic 2: Understanding Recycling Markets

Use these materials to understand how recycling markets work at the state and national level.

Required and supplemental materials

Topic 1: Recycling Programs in Skagit County

Use these materials to learn about local recycling programs and facilities.

Required and supplemental materials

Topic 2: Recycling Yes / No and Small Group Recycling Share

Use these materials to prepare for the small group share and to learn how to recycle correctly.

Required and supplemental materials

Topic 1: Household hazardous waste basics and EPR programs in Washington

Use these materials to learn about household hazardous waste (HHW) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs in Washington.

Local and regional solid waste systems

State and federal guidance and background

Videos and multimedia

Topic 2: Intersections of Solid Waste and Public Health

Use this presentation to explore how solid waste systems affect public health.

Required and supplemental materials

Topic 1: Importance of Healthy Soils

Use these materials to learn why healthy soils matter and how you can support soil health.

Topic 2: Using and Making Compost

Use these materials to learn how to make compost and how to use it safely and effectively.

Required and supplemental materials

Topic 1: Food Waste

Use this material to learn how to prevent food waste at home.

Topic 2: Introduction to Vermicomposting

Use these materials to learn the basics of vermicomposting and how to set up a worm bin.

The reuse and repair movement focuses on keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible instead of throwing them away. By repairing broken items, sharing resources, buying secondhand, and repurposing materials, you can reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and lower environmental impacts.

Local organizations, repair events, and sharing networks help you learn practical skills, access affordable goods, and build a more circular economy where products are used, repaired, and reused rather than discarded.

Use these materials to learn how to volunteer as a Master Composter Recycler and explore simple zero waste projects and campaigns.

Reference Materials

Use these reference links to explore more information about waste reduction, recycling, composting, toxics, and related topics.

Contact Us

Callie Martin
Community Outreach Specialist

calliem@
skagitcountywa.gov

(360) 416-1575

1800 Continental Place, 
Suite 100
Mount Vernon, WA 98273