Oxfordshire Master Composters
The Master Composters programme aims to reduce the amount of biodegradable waste being sent to landfill, by encouraging more people to start composting at home and supporting those already doing so.
What Master Composters do
In return for free training and support, Master Composters commit to carrying out 30 hours' voluntary work over the year in their local communities. They work with local groups like schools and gardening clubs as well as friends and neighbours - wherever they feel they can help!
A Master Composter might:
- provide advice on home composting to individual householders
- visit local schools to talk about composting
- work with schools to set up their own composting programme
- promote the benefits of composting through the local media and parish magazines
- give talks to local groups about the benefits of composting
- set up displays to encourage home composting at garden centres and local events
- help promote future sales of subsidised compost bins
- help develop community composting schemes
- help at public 'open days' at demonstration composting sites
The training
All volunteers receive full training from Garden Organic before qualifying as Master Composters and being asked to carry out any activities. They are also taken on day trips and attend other specialist workshops.
Training covers the basic elements of home composting and related environmental issues. Ongoing support is provided to volunteers once the training is completed, to help them in their activities and keep them up to date with technical and topical matters.
Who runs the scheme
It is run by Oxfordshire Waste Partnership in partnership with WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) and Garden Organic (formerly the Henry Doubleday Research Association).
Oxfordshire is already part of a nationwide 'Home Composting' campaign, which offers subsidised compost bins along with home composting support information to all householders in the county. The Master Composter Programme runs alongside and strengthens this campaign, by giving existing home composters more help and support and encouraging others to start composting their kitchen and garden waste at home.
How to 'book' a Master Composter
If you would like to talk to a Master Composter about attending an event or helping with your school composting, please contact:
Eiles Robinson (Miss)
Household Waste Reduction Officer
Waste Management Group
Speedwell House
Speedwell Street
Oxford OX1 1NE
Tel: 01865 815908
Fax: 01865 815787
eileen.robinson@oxfordshire.gov.uk
