Registration Still Available for Porter County Master Recycler/Composter Program

Porter County – Do your New Year resolutions include becoming more environmentally-conscious?

recycleLearn about reducing waste, recycling, household hazardous waste, composting and more by participating in the brand-new Master Recycler/Composter program. The eight-week, in-depth course will feature guest speakers and field trips that will help students gain waste reduction knowledge beyond the blue bin.

Sponsored by the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County, the program is available to Porter County residents and those who work in the county from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 5 through March 26, in the meeting room at the Porter County Sheriff’s Department, 2755 State Rd. 49, Valparaiso. Registration is still available on the District’s website, www.ItMeansTheWorld.org.

“Reducing the waste that goes into our landfills is much more than placing glass jars, plastics containers, aluminum cans and paper products at the curb,” said Therese Davis, executive director of the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County. “By paying attention to what we do every day and rethinking our routines, we can further reduce waste and make a difference in the environment.”

A fee of $30 will help cover the cost of course materials and is due upon acceptance into the program. Class participants commit to 30 hours of volunteer time to educate and inspire others in their community to reduce waste in the home and at work.

The class is limited to 30 participants. Applicants that apply after the class is full will be placed on a waiting list and notified when the next course is scheduled.

“Volunteer work can include helping out at the Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration, teaching a local community group how to incorporate recycling at their special event, educating residents in an apartment or condo complex about recycling opportunities, working booths at special events and more,” Davis said. “We’re open to other great ideas they have about inspiring others to become knowledgeable about waste reduction.”

For more information, visit www.ItMeansTheWorld.org or call 465-3819.