The JPA’s Master Composter program has trained over 1,200 backyard composters, and won statewide recognition from the League of California Cities and the California Resource Recovery Association. Revisions are proposed to bifurcate the program into certified and non-certified training. Non-certified training would be offered residents wanting to learn home composting principles, and would continue to include instruction and materials. Certified Master Composters would be involved in more extensive training and volunteer efforts, and receive ongoing JPA support. Ultimately the Master Composter program would be folded into a more comprehensive Master Recycler program.

The Master Composter Certification program is designed to reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfills by educating residents in proper backyard composting procedures; and to extend the impact of the JPA and member agencies through a core group of capable, self-starting volunteers who will work with local Recycling Coordinators in projects to promote composting, recycling and waste reduction.

Master Composter instruction is provided free to all JPA City residents consisting of:

• An 8 hour course consisting of class time, hands-on activities (building a compost pile)
• Activities that provide information to citizens on the “how” and “why” of composting
• Power Point presentation, role-playing to practice teaching, hands-on projects such as building compost piles, and presentations of individual or groups as final class project
• An examination to demonstrate the student’s skills, knowledge, and their grasp of composting concepts
Requirements for optional certification:
• Completion of 8- hour Master Training Course
• Adequate performance on test for composting concepts, practices, application and trouble-shooting
• Currently engaged in backyard composting at their residence
• Work with local Recycling Coordinator to select and implement appropriate individual composting, recycling or waste reduction project of 20 hours or more.
Upon validation of project and recommendation by Recycling Coordinator, volunteers may be certified by the JPA.
Examples of Master Composter volunteer service activities include:
• Staffing information composting booths on at public events, nurseries, or home improvement stores
• Conducting “how-to” workshops and trainings on composting
• Establishing and constructing backyard composting demonstration sites
• School and/or library reading programs
• Assisting local staff with events, activities, programs and projects related to composting

Master Composter Volunteer Service Commitment

Master Composter Certification Class