Volunteer Opportunities – Thurston County Fair + Master Recycler Composter

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Submitted by Thurston County Solid Waste

You have likely heard the saying, “volunteers make the world go round.” Well that is true for groups like Thurston County Solid Waste too. As part of Thurston County Public Works, the Thurston Solid Waste mission is to promote waste prevention and sustainable resource use in Thurston County through education, technical assistance and community building.  Volunteers are an important part of that mission.

“We rely on over a hundred community volunteers each year to make our efforts happen,” said Brian Stafki, Educator for Thurston Solid Waste.

Thurston Solid Waste is giving away two tickets for every volunteer at this year’s Thurston County Fair.  Volunteers talk to the public at waste and recycling stations near the food court. They help sort the trash from other materials that can be recycled or composted. Volunteer shifts are 3 hours long starting at 10 am and going till 10 pm, August 1st– 5th.

“We are working hard with Fair staff to save money by diverting waste.  We collect recyclables and food waste.  This really makes a difference.”

Thurston Solid Waste is also preparing with Thurston County staff Cori Carlson to provide training for the next class of Master Recycler Composters (MRC). This will be the 2nd year of a combined program with recycling and composting together.

“We see our MRC volunteers helping the community. They are really great. It is likely you have met one at one of our community booths. Some of them head up green teams at school, work, and church. Or maybe you have been to a composting workshop.”

Master Recycler Composters of Thurston County will receive training Thursday evenings, 6 pm- 8:30 pm, September 6, 20, October 4, 11, and 18. There are also two Saturday field trips from 9 am- 12 pm, September 22 and October 6. Attendance at all trainings is required to become a certified Master Recycler Composter.

MRC volunteers agree to give a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service in the next calendar year starting January 1, 2013. Master Recycler Composters can participate in a wide range of county waste prevention activities and community events, or work in their own neighborhoods, schools, or workplaces on projects encouraging waste prevention, recycling and composting. Five of the yearly service hours are to be dedicated toward continuing education—an important part of staying up to date with recycle and compost industry changes.

For more information or to sign up for volunteering go to www.ThurstonSolidWaste.org and click on “volunteer” or contact Brian Stafki at (360) 867 2284 or stafkib@co.thurston.wa.us.

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