Solid Waste District Certifies New Class of Master Recyclers

From Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District: The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District is pleased to announce that a third class has graduated from the Cuyahoga County Master Recycler program.

Beginning in the fall of 2015, eighteen people took part in a nine-week Master Recycler program. The program included lectures and tours focused on the tenets of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Master Recyclers learned from experts in the fields of city recycling, curbside recycling, electronic recycling, hazardous waste management, reuse, composting, sustainability, and waste reduction. They toured many facility operations to see first-hand how items are processed for reuse and recycling. The program also included take-home projects, personal waste audits and field research along with a required 20 hours of volunteering for District outreach programs.

Volunteer hours were completed by engaging with the public at Earthfest, VegFest, compost seminars and during city-sponsored events in Bedford, Cleveland, Maple Heights, Garfield Heights and Shaker Heights. The Master Recyclers also helped sort waste during zero waste events, assisted with litter cleanups and provided ideas and input for early education worksheets.

Of the eighteen participants enrolled in the program, eight people completed all requirements within a year to become a Cuyahoga County Certified Master Recycler. A graduation ceremony was held January 25 in Lakewood. We congratulate the following individuals on their accomplishment:

Esther D’Mello, Brecksville

Tami Egan, Berea

Alicia Hoskinson, Cleveland

Joanne Majoros, Maple Heights

Kathrine Morris, Cleveland

Kathy Osborne, Cleveland Heights

Elizabeth Smith, Pepper Pike

Susan Vincent, Cleveland

The Master Recyclers are integral for sharing knowledge and correct information about recycling and waste reduction in Cuyahoga County. The eight graduates exceeded 186 volunteer hours while reaching over 8,000 people. Many of the Master Recyclers intend to continue their personal learning about recycling and will assist the District in educational opportunities in the future.

The District currently has a fourth class of individuals enrolled in a Master Recycler learning program that began in fall of 2016. The class has completed the education hours and is working towards completion of their volunteer service. The District continuously accepts applications for the Master Recycler program; the 2017 class will start in the fall.

For more information about the Cuyahoga County Master Recycler program, visithttp://cuyahogarecycles.org/master_recycler_program or contact Kathleen Rocco at (216) 443-3731or krocco@cuyahogacounty.us

About The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District is the public agency helping the people of Cuyahoga County reduce, reuse and recycle at home, at work and in their communities. We serve as the leading resource in the County for information, expertise and programs that support sustainable materials management and reduce the environmental impact of waste. Visit www.CuyahogaRecycles.org or call216.443.3749 to learn how to recycle in your community and discover other recycling and disposal options.

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