The NYC Compost Project Master Composter Certificate Course is a train-the-trainer program with a community service component. This course was developed by the NYC Compost Project and the DSNY Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling.

course description
course dates

To apply, use the online application (applicants must be at least 18 years of age).

Master Composter Course Description

The Master Composter Certificate Course requires 18-23 hours of classroom instruction, two field trips, plus 15 hours of supervised community training, and 15 hours of independent projects/community service helping to advance on-site composting in NYC. This course covers the following topics:

• the small-scale composting process
• how to use finished compost
• how to design and build on-site compost systems
• techniques for teaching others about composting

For the community service component, participants engage in projects based upon their interests and the goals of the NYC Compost Project. Potential projects might include giving composting classes at schools and civic associations, building compost bins at community gardens, staffing compost info tables, or working at compost demonstration sites.

NYC Compost Project host sites in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island offer the Master Composter Certificate Course every spring and the NYC Compost Project in Manhattan offers the course in the fall.

See upcoming Master Composter course dates for each borough to find out when the next Master Composter course is being held.

To apply, use the online application form (applicants must be at least 18 years of age). After you submit your application, the specified NYC Compost Project site will contact you about upcoming Master Composter trainings.

Course material fee is $40; limited scholarships are available.

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Master Composter Course Dates

NYC Compost Project in the Bronx
Application deadline: February 20, 2013
Class dates and time: 7 Wednesdays, 6 to 9 pm, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15
Field trips: 2 Saturdays in April 2013, 10 am-4 pm, dates TBD
Location: The New York Botanical Garden 

NYC Compost Project in Brooklyn
Application deadline: February 15, 2013
Class dates and time: 7 Wednesdays, 6 to 9 pm, March 13, 20, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1
Field trips: 2 weekend days in May 2013, details TBD
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

NYC Compost Project in Manhattan
Application deadline: August 1, 2013
Introductory class: Monday, September 24, 6 to 8 pm
Class dates and time: 5 Tuesdays, 6 to 9 pm, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Field trips: 2 weekend days in October/November 2013, details TBD
Location: Neighborhood Preservation Center 

NYC Compost Project in Queens
Application deadline: February 8, 2013
Class dates and time: 7 Tuesdays, 6 to 9 pm, March 19, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, & May 7
Field trips: 2 weekend days in Spring 2013, details TBD
Location: Queens Botanical Garden 

NYC Compost Project on Staten Island
Application deadline: April 1, 2013
Class dates and time: 7 Thursdays, 6 to 9 pm, April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Feld trips: Castleton Hill Moravian Community Garden April 27th & Freshkills Park (dates TBA)
Location: Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden (Building P)

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