Master composters

What are Master Composters?

Master Composters are community volunteers that act as composting ambassadors in their local community. Volunteers are trained and supported by Suffolk Waste Partnership and national organic growing charity Garden Organic. 

They help:

• raise awareness of the benefits of composting
• encourage more people to compost at home
• support those who already compost

Become a Suffolk Master Composter volunteer

Watch existing Suffolk Master Composters talking about their experiences and how the scheme works.

See events and what master composters are up to on their Facebook page.

You don't have to have any prior knowledge of composting or even be particularly 'green-fingered' to become a Master Composter volunteer. New volunteers are trained via a FREE Foundation Training course (see details below).

All you need is an interest in learning about the subject and a willingness to give up a bit of time (30 hours) to share your new-found knowledge with others.

Volunteers can help in many ways, common examples include:

• provide advice on home composting to individuals
• visit schools in their community to talk about composting and recycling
• promote the benefits of composting in local media
• give talks to community, residents and allotment groups
• set up displays to encourage home composting
• help promote future sales of subsidised compost bins
• help develop community composting schemes
• help with the administration of the scheme
• create educational resources.

Training is free to new volunteers and ongoing support and travel expenses are paid during the course of volunteering activities. Master composters may have to undertake a DBS check depending on the type of activity they are involved in. The cost of this will be covered by the scheme.

Next free Foundation Training course

Our next foundation training course for new volunteers will take place on Friday 22 March (9.30 to 5pm), at the Food Museum in Stowmarket, where it will be delivered by Garden Organic.  If you are interested in becoming a Master Composter Volunteer and available for the training date please apply via the Garden Organic link below for a place at the training session. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

This day is mandatory for any new volunteers wishing to join the scheme.

For more information on the scheme please contact Craig Renton on 01473 264795 or email mastercomposters@suffolk.gov.uk.