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Master Recycler Program

BE A CUYAHOGA COUNTY MASTER RECYCLER

Master Recycler of Cuyahoga County is a training program with focus on service learning and the theme of reduce, reuse, recycle.

The Master Recycler program offers participants an in-depth study of solid waste management including waste reduction, composting and recycling.  Previously, this level of knowledge could only be achieved by working in the solid waste industry. This program creates advocates for recycling that can apply their expanded knowledge to affect habits at home, work and in the community. 

Candidate interviews and class selection takes place during the summer months and coursework begins every year in August/September. We accept applications year-round. View the application or send us an email. See the program flyer.
 


Audience

  • Residents of Cuyahoga County
  • Adults working in Cuyahoga County  

Participant Requirements

  • Submit the Master Recycler application.
  • Attend 20 hours of Master Recycler training including tours and lectures. Complete knowledge assessments, evaluations and take home assignments.
  • Sign a waiver and background check form. Pay course fee to participate in the program.
  • Complete at least 20 hours of volunteering to graduate as a Certified Master Recycler of Cuyahoga County.

Course Fee

  • Individual - $50
  • Guardian/student - $100
  • Business/corporate representative – $70 

Course fee covers the cost of fingerprinting and a background check, manuals and educational supplies plus classroom refreshments.

Course Schedule

Coursework consists of five lecture and four tour sessions for up to 20 hours of education. Lectures will be scheduled in the evenings with a start time of 6:30 PM. Lectures will include several related topics and at least one guest speaker or panel of experts. In order to see businesses in action, tours may be conducted during late afternoon hours. Master Recycler applicants are welcome to share suggestions of topic areas, speakers and tours.


Lecture Topics
  • Waste reduction ideas and methods
  • Material reuse and local programs
  • Recycling programs, processes and commodities
  • Waste and history of waste management
  • Household hazardous waste management and substituting green alternatives
  • Solid waste management programs and services
  • Electronics, organics and other specialty recycling
  • Away-from-home recycling: event, office, multi-family, business, institutions and school recycling
  • Manufacturing with recycled content
  • Marketing and promotion of recycling and recycling programs
  • Volunteering opportunities
Tours
  • Material Recycling Facility (MRF) and/or recycling processor
  • Landfill and/or transfer station
  • Organic recycling and/or anaerobic digester
  • Electronics demanufacturer and recycler
  • Scrap metal yard
  • Reuse-based businesses and/or businesses with sustainability goals

Service Learning/Volunteering

  • Minimum of 20 volunteer hours for graduation as a Certified Master Recycler. No maximum.
  • Solid Waste District volunteer opportunities may involve assisting staff with District programs and collections or representing Solid Waste District at community events.
  • A volunteer can create their own opportunity outside of the Solid Waste District program, especially if they meet the District’s mission. For example, teaching others about reduce, reuse, recycle method or helping an event to strive for zero waste. Volunteers can earn hours helping sustainability-focused organization’s with litter pick up, monitor a zero waste station, conduct a waste sort or host an American Recycles Day event.

For more details about the Master Recycler program, contact our education specialist at 216.443.3731 or send an email.

Learn more about the District's education programs for Cuyahoga County.

our program graduates

Congratulations, program graduates! We are pleased to announce that the following individuals are Certified Master Recyclers in Cuyahoga County.


Class of 2018

This class is currently finishing their volunteer hours to complete their certification.

Class of 2017

Stephanie Adams Johnson, Maple Heights
Claire Bruch, Cleveland
Roslyn Chao, Rocky River
Charlotte Cotter, Cleveland
Deltrece Daniels, Cleveland
Gary M. Darr, Lakewood
Danielle Doza, Cleveland
Sandy Lahti, Cleveland
Mariann Offtermatt, Cleveland Heights
Kaleigh O'Hara, Dayton
Siu Yan Scott, Euclid
Jim Watson, Cleveland

Class of 2016

Stacy Albin, Cleveland
Kelly Baker, Shaker Heights
Michelle Gugick, Highland Heights
Colleen King, Rocky River
Sara Jane Kukawka, Cleveland
Pamala Maruna, Sagamore Hills
Alice Orynycz, Broadview Heights
Lori Postak, University Heights
Emily Roll, Cleveland
April Schroeder, Chagrin Falls

Class of 2015

Esther D'Mello, Brecksville
Tami Egan, Berea
Alicia Hoskinson, Berea
Joanne Majoros, Maple Heights
Kathrine Morris, Cleveland
Kathy Osborne, Cleveland Heights
Elizabeth Smith, Pepper Pike
Susan Vincent, Cleveland

Class of 2014

Richard Deem, Fairview Park
Sandy Deem, Fairview Park
Sarah Dudziak, Garfield Heights
Mel Hauser, Berea
Cheryl Johnson, Solon
Cathi Lehn, Mayfield
Kim Mulhall, Middleburg Heights
Brenda O'Reilly, Bay Village
Jane Pierce, Highland Hills
Linda Sadler, Beachwood
Christopher Thomas, Westlake
Ken Wainwright, Fairview Park
Michelle Wilhelm, Middleburg Heights
Maureen Wise, Bedford
Tim Zaun, Westlake

 

Class of 2013

Sharon Bair, Cleveland
Christy Bartley, Cleveland 
Karen Braun, Westlake 
Lenore Collins, Keep It Out of the Landfill blog
Veronica Dickerson, National Park Service
Heather Dougherty, Lakewood
Jennifer Drehner, Baldwin Wallace
Melinda Franco, Cleveland
Heidi Paul, Magnificat High School 
Julie Richer, Garfield Heights
Erica Robinson, Famicos Foundation
Janine Robb, Brook Park
Katharyne Starinsky, Shaker Heights
Karen Thailing, Chagrin Falls

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