The Initial Training Application cycle for the Class of 2026 has now closed. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by November 21, 2025
Why should we be composting?
SB 1383 was enacted to reduce landfill disposal of organic waste, which in turn, reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Become a Composting Education Program Master Composter volunteer and help your community make the change happen!
Who are Master Composter Volunteers?
- Master Composters come from all walks of life.
- They share composting best practices that promote healthy gardens, healthy soil, and healthy lives.
- They complete a 14 to 15-week course taught by University Academics, Extension Educators and Industry Leaders.
- Upon completing the course, Composting Education Program Master Composter volunteers contribute 50 hours, teaching research-based composting practices in their communities within Santa Clara County.
Important dates and deadlines
- We offer an Initial Training course every 2 years. Our 2026 Course begins March 14 in person and runs weekly through graduation in June 2026. It includes weekly lectures via Zoom, a few field trips, a few hands-on in-person Labs, attendance at Community Events, Community Workshops and more. Attendance to all online and in-person labs, lectures and activities is required for Certification, but not to take the course.
- The "interest" form is now closed. Completing the interest form guarantees that you will be sent the application when it opens. The application will be open for 30 days only. Late applications will not be accepted
- Applicants will be notified of acceptance and Next Steps by end of November.
Steps to becoming a UCCE Master Composter
1. Want a run-down of the course? Watch our information session recording HERE
2. Submit an Interest Form online for guaranteed application notification - This time has now past
3. Complete the Online Application - this time has now past. Late applications will not be accepted
- We recommend downloading a copy to work on the questions in Word before submitting them online.
- Wait for a UCCE Staff member to contact you regarding your application acceptance. All applicants will receive an email whether accepted or not.
- An active email account and reliable Internet access is required
4. Complete a Background Check & a Membership Packet
- If accepted, you will receive an email with digital forms to sign after your fees are paid
- You will need to complete a live scan DOJ and FBI background check.
5. Complete the Composting Education Program Initial Training course.
- Complete the online and in-person training course (1 to 2 times a week for 14 to 15 weeks) to become a certified Master Composter Volunteer
- The course lectures may be in-person or online one evening or weekend a week.
- Homework will be assigned weekly and will be online
- We will have a few in-person informational demonstration training days and field trips on select weekends
- Taught by University of California Extension Educators, Faculty and Industry Specialists.
6. Complete the online Final Exam
- Trainees must complete an online final exam for certification. If you don't plan to volunteer for UCCE Composting Education, you do not need to take the final exam
7. Share your knowledge.
- During your first year as a volunteer, you will be required to give 50 hours of service on projects and events that deliver basic compost education and information to the local Santa Clara County community for the Composting Education Program.
- Attend Monthly meetings and Continuing Education courses alongside experienced Certified Master Composter Volunteers.
- Report your volunteer hours regularly online for Reappointment annually.
8. Celebrate!
When your training is completed, you will receive a certificate and we will celebrate your completion. After your first year and 50 hours of service are completed, you will receive a UC name badge with the Master Composter title and a program shirt.
9. Stay involved to stay Certified.
To maintain your active Certified Master Composter volunteer status, you will need to complete at least 25 hours of volunteer time and 12 hours of continuing education each year thereafter.
Want to volunteer with us, but can not commit to a training course? Volunteer at our Community Composting Demonstration Site!
The Compost Education Program offers volunteer opportunities to the community every 3rd Saturday of the month. If you are interested in visiting or volunteering at our Community Composting Demonstration Site at Martial Cottle Park, please let us know HERE
Someone from the Composting Education Program will contact you as soon as we are able. A reminder will be sent out the week before with details of what is happening at the next workday.