Master Composter Recycler (MCR) is a free five-week online education program offered every spring and fall throughout the year. Through online education sessions and virtual 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 has been offered in Halifax since May 2019 but has been a popular and long-standing program in other municipalities in Canada and the United States.
Notice
The application period for the spring 2022 sessions is now closed. Thank you to everyone who has showed interest in the program. If you would like to be put on a waitlist for future sessions please contact a Waste Resource Educator for more information.
Class Details:
- Class 1
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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 everyday waste items.
- Class 2
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This class will cover the history of landfills in Nova Scotia and will include virtual tours of:
- The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility which includes the landfill and its unique features.
- The Material Recovery Facility Facility in Bayer's Lake which will provide a "behind the scenes" look at how our waste is diverted from the landfill and processed for market.
- The Organics Processing Facilities in Burnside and Ragged Lake which will show you how we take all the organics collected and make it into compost.
- Class 3
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Topics of waste diversion and waste reduction will be discussed in greater detail during the third session. Information will be provided about product stewardship programs in Nova Scotia and beyond the blue-bag recycling options in HRM. We will share tips and strategies for reducing plastic and food waste.
- Class 4
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This session will focus on how to turn your food scraps into a valuable resource! The session will start with in-depth information about the science of composting and how to build and maintain your own compost pile at home. Then you will learn to vermi(worm)-compost, make “compost tea,” and finally, how to use your finished compost. This session will also include WasteLess Gardening Tips to reduce waste and create a healthy yard.
- Class 5
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The final session will provide a review of all course topics 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 facilitated virtual social time to celebrate course completion.