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The Master Recycler program educates citizen volunteers to serve as solid
waste ambassadors in Jackson County. In November 2007, Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality approved funding of Jackson County’s
grant proposal for creation of a Master Recycler service program housed and
administered at OSU Extension Service. To continue the program beyond the
grant period, Jackson County Recycling Partnership is serving as the primary
funding source and director of the program. In 2009 a 10-week training course will educate 40 Jackson County residents and business
representatives with a training manual, presentations from local and regional experts, and field trips on
topics of recycling, waste prevention, composting, hazardous waste and the local solid waste
infrastructure.
What does the Master Recycler Program do?
In 2008, 34 participants completed the training program, each investing at least 30 hours of required
volunteer time to graduate, totaling 1,300 hours of service towards waste reduction in Jackson County• Special Solid-Waste Events: In partnership with local waste haulers, Master Recyclers helped to
host the first Jackson County Plastic Round-up. Volunteers staffed the event which served 1,200
cars over two days.
• Community Events: Master Recycler volunteers support recycling efforts at community events,
such as Pear Blossom Festival, Festival of Trees, Talent Harvest Festival and Eagle Point July 4th
celebration. In 2008, Master Recyclers staffed over 25 community events, facilitating the recycling
of plastic water bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard and other materials.
• Educational Outreach: Master Recyclers hosted monthly evening classes for the community on
topics of composting, waste reduction at social events, and plastics recycling. Volunteers also
helped with waste prevention programs at their places of work, churches and neighborhoods.
• Adopt-A-School: Volunteers partnered with SMART Business Program (Saving Money and
Resources Together) to provide long-term continuity to schools with existing recycling programs,
as well as helping other schools to develop new recycling programs.
• Skills and Talents: Master Recyclers shared personal and professional skills in a wide variety of
ways, including graphic design, logo development, compost bin construction, editing, sewing,
hospitality, event planning and more.
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click for .pdf of application |
