def # 18 02/08/11
OCEAN COUNTY OFFERS MASTER COMPOSTER PROGRAM
LAKEWOOD - Individuals interested in training as master composters can participate in the Ocean County Master
Composter Training Program scheduled for consecutive Saturdays in April.
Offered by Ocean County’s Department of Solid Waste Management with the support of the Ocean County Board of Chosen
Freeholders, the program will be held this spring on April 2 and 9 to train individuals as master composters. Those who
successfully complete the program then assist with the county’s efforts in providing residents with information on managing
the organic waste they produce in their homes and the benefits of composting.
The 12-hour training program is provided free of charge to interested Ocean County residents and taxpayers. There is
a $75 fee for non-residents. The course is limited to 20 participants and the registration deadline is March 4. Registration
can be made by calling Mary Jerkowicz, program monitor, at 732-506-5047.
"This beneficial program is offered annually and provides a wealth of important information and hands-on learning
on the importance of composting," said Freeholder James F. Lacey, who serves as liaison to Solid Waste Management. "I
encourage anyone who is interested to not hesitate to apply, space is limited."
Each applicant should be sponsored by a group or organization, which will ensure an opportunity to set up an
outreach network for the program. Various organizations can be considered sponsors such as garden clubs, municipalities,
environmental commissions, recycling committees or retirement communities.
The two-day program is held at the county’s Recycling Education Center at the Ocean County Northern Recycling
Center, Towbin Avenue, here. Sandra Blain-Snow, a member of the Island Heights Garden Club and an Ocean County Master
Composter and Master Gardener, is the instructor.
The class runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays April 2 and 9. Light refreshments and lunch will be provided both
days.
"The Master Composter Program is a great way to learn to recycle materials that can be used later in the garden and
in other natural settings," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. "Master composters have been doing a great job in
volunteering their time to help other Ocean County residents interested in composting. This program is a great learning
experience and a good way to give back to the community."
All applicants should be familiar with gardening and composting and have some experience with speaking to small
groups. Upon completing the program, master composters are asked to provide a total of 24 hours of outreach, education and
service to promote the benefits of home composting. There is no time frame for completion of these hours.
"The environmental benefits of using compost are significant," Lacey said. "It can help clean up contaminated soil,
reduce runoff of toxic materials and improve your garden or lawn."
