The Master Recycling Composter Eastside volunteer training program offers a great opportunity for Kirkland residents to learn more about recycling, backyard composting, organic gardening concepts and resource conservation.

Participants gain knowledge, skills, and tools to teach their friends, neighbors and community members.  Classes will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays on Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28.

Classes will be held in Issaquah; workshop venues will be provided upon registration. To apply, fill out an application at seattletilth.org/about/mrc-eastside-2013-application. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Aug. 28. For questions about the program, email falaahjones@seattletilth.org or call (206) 633-0451, ext. 123.

Master Recycling Composter Eastside is a partnership between the cities of Issaquah, Bellevue, Kirkland, Bothell, and Seattle Tilth and is open to all Kirkland residents.

The program offers 26 hours of education, including classroom learning, hands-on experience and field trips. Learn soil science concepts, find out about urban planning issues and make compost from food and yard waste.

Participants will even take a fascinating field trip to a compost facility. Graduates of the course volunteer 20 hours of composting and recycling education to their communities.