Master Recycler Vancouver Community Course Structure

Master Recycler Vancouver is a train-the-trainer program, so from Class 1, we begin working on the required 30 hours of community outreach. Classes take place in evenings, once a week over nine weeks (eight classes with a mid-course break). Two field trips to local waste management facilities are organized with participants. Completing the outreach hours, the classes, field trips and feedback forms are required to graduate as a Certified Master Recycler.

Virtual Course Update: To adapt to limitations on in-person gathering, the course is being held over ZOOM. We use a combination of slides, breakout rooms, expert speakers and group activities to deliver the material and facilitate outreach support. We currently run a virtual tour. In person facility tours will resume once they are available, and all past participants will be invited.

The course also includes a graduation event, access to our growing network of alumni, social media groups, special events and a participant-led conference.

Despite its name, the "Master Recycler" Program is about the deeper issue of how to reduce and prevent waste. The course addresses garbage, recycling and composting, circular economy, climate change and trains participants in community outreach, leadership, and behaviour change.

Classes at a Glance

  • Class 1 - Waste: Up Close and Personal + Outreach Introduction

  • Class 2 - Where is ‘Away’?

  • Class 3 - Is Recycling the Solution? You Decide

  • Class 4 - Back to the Future: a Circular Economy


BREAK WEEK

  • Class 5 - From Soil, to Soil: Deep Dive into Compost and Anaerobic Digestion

  • Class 6 - You Can Fix That! Toxic Waste

  • Class 7 - Your Turn Now: Behaviour Change and Reaching Out

  • Class 8 - Wrapping Up: Participant Presentations and What Comes Next?


Read Class Descriptions

Field Trips

See where 'away' really is. Participants say that seeing material processing facilities (where items are prepared for recycling), composting facilities, and landfills are deeply impactful experiences that stay with them long after the course concludes.

Pandemic Adjustment Recap: We run a virtual tour currently. In person facility tours will resume once they are available, and all past participants will be invited.

Previous Master Recycler field trips locations include:

  • Sims Municipal Recycling (virtual)  Brooklyn, New York City
  • Vancouver South Transfer Station  Vancouver, BC
  • Vancouver Landfill Delta, BC
  • Urban Impact Recycling New Westminster, BC
  • Recycling Alternative Vancouver, BC
  • PAC Pacific Carpet Recycling Richmond, BC
  • (now GFL Delta Organics) Enviro-Smart Organics Delta, BC
  • (now closed) Hop Compost Vancouver, BC
  • (now closed) Harvest Power, Fraser-Richmond Organics processing facility Richmond, BC



Register for Future Courses Now!