Education Opportunities
Are you passionate about Zero Waste? Are you ready to learn more about reducing waste, diverting food scraps from the landfill, recycling right, and more? Find a workshop or community event that's right for you.
Saturday, April 25th, 2026, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Registration is required. More information can be found on the registration page, linked here.
Curious about hot composting?
Maybe you have tried before but need a refresher. No matter your experience, join us for a workshop all about hot composting! In this class, we will build a compost pile together, discuss best practices for maintaining it, and explore strategies for reducing food waste... and why it matters! Plus, enter our raffle to be eligible to win composting accessories!
Summer Tours of the City's Resource Recovery Facility
Most Fridays, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, June - August 2026,
and Saturday, June 25th, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Registration is required. More information can be found on the registration page, linked here.
Get ready to discover the journey your recycling and food scraps take—and see firsthand how your actions make a difference!
Visitors will see what happens to the 30 to 50 tons of material that Santa Cruzians place into their blue recycle bins every single day. They will learn why it is important to “recycle right” and avoid “wish-cycling.” Visitors will also see a mountain of scrap metal, learn about the facility’s Household Hazardous Waste Program, and see the Food Scrap Pre-Processor Machine. Don’t miss out on this chance to become a waste reduction pro!
Registration is required. Registration will open in May. Check back here for the registration link.
The City of Santa Cruz offers private tours for groups of 10 or more. To schedule a group tour, contact Waste Reduction Assistant, Caylie Soon, at csoon@santacruzca.gov.
Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program
2026 Training classes have concluded.
Our 2026 Master Recycler Volunteer Training Program has concluded for the year. If you'd like to join us next year, please complete the Master Recycler Interest Form. Click here to view form.
Printable Program Brochure(PDF, 6MB)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the training in person or online?
The training is all in person. There is no online option for the training at this time.
Who are the Master Recycler Volunteers?
Master Recycler Volunteers, or “MRV’s” for short, are a network of Santa Cruz community members who are trained on waste reduction, recycling right, composting, and effective communication skills through a six-week course taught by City staff and guest speakers.
After attending the six-week training, participants commit to completing 20 volunteer hours within the City of Santa Cruz to share their knowledge and training with the community.
How Have Master Recycler Volunteers Made a Difference In Santa Cruz?
Not only are they strengthening the City's ability to reach more people, but passionate WRA's are demonstrating the sustainable behaviors (and creating social norms) that we want to see in Santa Cruz. There’s no better way to engage fellow Santa Cruz residents than by having our own family, friends, coworkers, peers, and neighbors be the ones motivating us to reduce waste and recycle right in our homes, workplaces, schools, and community spaces.
Can My Event Get Help From Master Recycler Volunteers?
If you have a project or event that could use MRV volunteer support, email the event details to the MRV program coordinator at mrv@santacruzca.gov.
Applicable volunteer opportunities for Master Recycler Volunteers can include: