Master Composter Recycler (MCR) is a free four-week education program offered in May 2019. Through training sessions, hands-on workshops, and facility tours, you will become more knowledgeable about how waste is managed in the Halifax region, from collection to processing. You will also learn how to reduce waste through backyard composting and other at-home solutions.
The MCR program is open to all Halifax Regional Municipality residents interested in becoming waste champions within their families, communities, and work places. MCR is new to Nova Scotia but has been a popular and long-standing program in other municipalities in Canada and the United States.
The MCR program can accommodate 20 participants who will be expected to attend all eight sessions during the month of May 2019. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the field locations, as outlined below.
When: May 1 - May 29, 2019. Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Citadel Community Centre (located at Citadel High School), 1955 Trollope St, Halifax, NS, Room 101
Contact a Waste Resource Education Officer for more information.
Please note the current session of the MCR program is FULL, and we will be accepting new participants in future sessions.
Class Schedule: Dates subject to change pending weather
Class 1: Wednesday May 1, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The introductory session will provide a course overview, addressing the importance of proper waste management and waste reduction. The session will also include an interactive "what goes where" presentation about proper waste sorting at home and at work, addressing questions of compostable vs biodegradable, and recyclable plastic items vs garbage. The presentation will feature examples of recycled products made from our every day waste items.
Class 2: Saturday May 4, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
The second session will take place at the Otter Lake Waste Management Facility, located near Lakeside. This field trip will include a tour of the landfill and its unique features, including a Waste Stabilization Facility and Front-End Processor.
Class 3: Wednesday May 8, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Topics of waste diversion and reduction will be discussed in greater detail during the third session. Information will be provided about textile recycling options, electronics recycling, HRM's construction waste recycling, and how to manage household batteries and other special waste. We will share tips and strategies for reducing plastic and food waste.
Class 4: Saturday May 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The fourth session will include two field trips; the first to the recycling facility in Bayer's Lake and the second to the organics processing facility in Burnside. Each tour will provide a "behind the scenes" look at how our waste is diverted from the landfill and processed for market.
Class 5: Wednesday May 15, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
This session will provide in-depth information about the science of composting, and how to build and maintain your own compost pile at home. With show and tell items to help demonstrate, this session will share tips on how to turn your food scraps into a valuable resource!
Class 6: Wednesday May 22, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The topic of composting will continue in this session, with an in-depth look at how to build healthy soil using compost, how to do vermi(worm)-composting, making "compost tea", and much more!
Class 7: Saturday May 25, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The final field trip will take place during this session, with a hands-on composting and gardening demonstration at the Sackville Food Garden at Acadia Park, behind the Sackville Public Library. Different examples of backyard composting systems will be showcased and discussed, and a garden tour will provide information about how to fertilize various plant species using compost.
Class 8: Wednesday May 29, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The final session will provide a review of all topics covered and a discussion of the various connections that participants identify. Following the closing discussion, each participant will receive a Master Composter Recycler certificate of completion and will complete a program evaluation. Finally, there will be time for snacks and social time to celebrate completion.