Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
Marion County has re-engineered its Master Recyclers program and launched the new Marion Resourcers Movement program.
The volunteer training program provides free classes for community members to learn about the integrated waste management system in Marion County, from recycling rules and the waste disposal process to tips for reducing waste personally and within the community.
This program takes the place of the previous Master Recyclers program, which was started in Marion County in 1994. The new program continues to teach participants about recycling, but it has been expanded to include topics such as community building, presentations from local sustainable businesses, food waste prevention, repair and field trips to tour disposal locations.
“We are excited to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders in Marion County,” said Dakota Tangredi, waste reduction and volunteer program coordinator for Marion County. “We are looking for leaders that meet the moment and help improve our environment while serving as a resourcer in their community.”
Participants attend weekly classes during the six-week course. Time is spent listening to experts, networking with other volunteers, and planning for future volunteer activities. Once participants complete the course, they join a network of volunteers that serve the community at repair fairs, community swaps, information booths at community events, and a variety of other volunteer opportunities.
Marion Resourcer Movement classes take place twice a year, in the fall and spring. The next class is set for the Chemeketa Community College campus in Woodburn, starting Sept 7.
The free training will be held on six Thursday evenings with an additional Saturday half day of solid waste site field trips (Covanta, Marion Resource Recovery and Recycling Facility and a sustainable business). Meals will be provided free as well as potential carpool/transit support for folks who need it.
All classes will be held Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The classes will take place on Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5 and 12. The half-day field trip will be Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For more information on the program and to register for the course go to https://www.marionresourcersmovement.org/.
