WSU Extension > Thurston County > Gardening > Composting & Recycling > Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Training > Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Training Application

Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Training Application

Thank you for your interest in the 2026-2027 Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Training to become a Thurston County Master Recycler Composter volunteer (MRC).

Please read through the instructions carefully.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and either live, work, or operate a business in Thurston County.

MRC Training Application Process

The application process to be considered for the MRC Volunteer Training involves two steps. Applicants must complete both steps to be accepted into the MRC Volunteer Training.

Acceptance letters will be issued once applications have been reviewed and processed, and background checks are complete.

Step 1 – Submit a training application

  • Complete the 2026-2027 Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Application (webform below) and submit by 8 a.m. on Monday August 17.
  • Each application is screened and applicants that pass Step 1 will be contacted with directions for completing Step 2.

Step 2 – Pass the Criminal Background Check

  • A criminal background check is conducted on applicants that have passed Step 1.
  • Applicant is responsible for completing and returning the Background Check Authorization form.

A $25 training fee will be collected at the first class. This fee covers the remaining training costs that are not subsidized by Thurston County Solid Waste Department and the Master Gardener Foundation of Thurston County.  Do not send payment with your application or background check form!

More information – Thurston County Master Recycler Composter Program

Master Recycler Compost Logo

2026-2027 Master Recycler Composter Volunteer Application

After completing the application, click the "SUBMIT" button at the bottom of the page to submit your application. A confirmation message will appear letting you know that your submission was successful. You will also receive an email from Program Staff to confirm that we have received your application. If you experience technical issues with the application form, please email Jennifer Post, Program Assistant, at jennifer.post@co.thurston.wa.us
Are you 18 years of age or older?(Required)
To become a Master Recycler Composter volunteer, you must be 18 years of age or older.
Do you live, work, or operate a business in Thurston County?(Required)
Have you ever used Master Recycler Composter services?(Required)
Services include attending composting or recycling community workshops, Q&A clinics at the WSU Extension Office or Farmers Markets, etc.

Applicant Contact Information

Name(Required)
What name do you want listed on your name badge?(Required)
First and last name are required.
Mailing Address(Required)
Email(Required)

Emergency Contact Information

Emergency phone number must be different than number provided in contact information.
Name of your emergency contact:(Required)

Training Participation and Tech Expectations

2026-2027 MRC Volunteer Training classes will be held in person from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following Fridays from September 2026 to March 2027: September 18; October 2, 16, 30; November 13, 20; December 4, 11; January 8, 22; February 5, 12, 26; March 12, 19. All training classes are important, and trainees are expected to attend all classes or make up if missed. We recommend that you have a computer with internet access and a Zoom account in case you are ill and can attend class remotely. Additionally, all volunteers are expected to have an email address to receive communications from the Program Manager about volunteer activities and other important volunteer-related information. The MRC Program uses Zoom for other programming and training needs.
Can you attend the scheduled training classes?(Required)
Do you have any concerns about the class participation expectations?(Required)
If you do not have any concerns, type N/A in the box.
Can you meet the tech expectations for training and volunteering?(Required)
Do you have any concerns about the tech expectations?(Required)
How comfortable are you with Zoom?(Required)
Do you have any concerns about using Zoom?(Required)
If you do not have any concerns, type N/A in the box.
If you don't need any special accommodations, type N/A in the box.

Applicant Availability, Experience, and Skills/Interests

If you are not currently employed, retired, or a student, are you seeking employement?(Required)
Select the times when you would be most available to volunteer (check all that apply):(Required)
Select the geographical area(s) in which you would be willing to volunteer (check all that apply):(Required)
Select the education/training you have completed:(Required)
In your volunteer role, with whom do you prefer to work with?(Required)
If you prefer to work directly with youth, what grade level(s) do you prefer?
If you do not prefer to work directly with youth, select N/A.
Which of the following topics do you have interest in learning about or experience in that you would be willing to share with others while volunteering with our program? (please check all that apply)(Required)
What other skills, interests or experience are you willing to share while volunteering for our program? (please check all that apply)(Required)
The skills you are willing to share with us is just as important as prior recycling/composting experience. We need people with all types of experience to help further our program goals.
Are there any volunteer activities in which you are unwilling or unable to participate?(Required)
Examples: public speaking, attending meetings, office work including answering phones and emails, working one-on-one with community clients, physical composting work in the demonstration gardens, etc.
If you write something down here it will not deter you from being accepted into the program.

Describe your comfort-level with public outreach

Answer the following questions based on your comfort level in various activities, with a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being not comfortable and 5 being very comfortable. N/A indicates that you have never done this activity.

Why do you wish to become a Master Recycler Composter volunteer?

MRC Volunteer Service Expectations

Thurston County Master Recycler Composter volunteers are expected to volunteer a minimum of 25 hours each calendar year to maintain certified volunteer status (including 20 hours of service and 5 hours of continuing education credits). The purpose of 5 hours of continuing education credits (CE) is to stay current with industry and science-based information. Recycling and composting practices can change frequently. There will be opportunities for CE through workshops, publications, webinars, e-newsletters etc.
Do you have the time to commit to a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service each calendar year?(Required)

Terms and Conditions(Required)
(Required)
Type in your name.
Today's Date(Required)

By clicking on the 'Submit' button, I hereby certify that every statement I have made in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statement will affect my ability to begin volunteering if I am accepted. I understand that this completed application is the property of Thurston County and will not be returned. I understand that I must notify WSU Extension of any changes in my name, address, or phone number.

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office. Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Cori Carlton at cori.carlton@co.thurston.wa.us at least two (2) weeks prior to the event or application deadline.