Volunteering
Community recycling ambassadors
Join fellow waste reduction enthusiasts and inspire others to reduce, reuse and recycle as a Hennepin County Community Recycling Ambassador!
Community Recycling Ambassadors (CRAs) are trained on waste prevention, recycling and composting, and effective communication skills through a six-week course, with one class each week, taught by industry experts and community leaders. The training also includes field trips to local waste processing and recycling facilities when possible.
Once training is complete, participants commit to volunteering 30-hours putting their skills to work on projects and activities that minimize waste and provide waste reduction, recycling and composting education. Community Recycling Ambassadors have the flexibility to pursue and create waste-reduction focused volunteer opportunities that interest them and serve their communities’ unique needs.
Upcoming trainings
Spring 2026 class
The spring 2026 class will be held virtually via zoom every Thursday from March 5 to April 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The application for the spring class will open on Thursday, February 12 and close on Thursday, February 26.
How to apply
Before applying, please ensure that you meet the following requirements:
- You are 18 years of age or older
- You live, work, or go to school within Hennepin County
- You are available for all six class sessions
- You can commit to 30 hours of volunteering after the class completes
Program details
As a Community Recycling Ambassador, you will support and inspire others in your community to reduce waste, recycle more and compost. You will also gain knowledge from experts, get experience volunteering in the field, and join a large community of volunteers who are enthusiastic about waste reduction and helping others.
Course topics
- Waste prevention and thoughtful consumption
- Recycling process and sorting information
- Organics recycling and home composting
- Addressing bias and privilege when volunteering
- Public engagement and the motivating behavior change
This course gives participants the tools and education they need to be successful Community Recycling Ambassador volunteers; no prior knowledge about waste or recycling is required. Hennepin County provides ongoing support, resources and continuing education to volunteers.
Participant commitment
Participants agree to attend all six class dates and to dedicate approximately 1-hour per week of independent study outside of class. Any field trips are optional but highly encouraged.
Participants commit to volunteer 30-hours of public outreach after graduating from the class. When the 30-hour commitment is fulfilled, participants are considered certified Community Recycling Ambassadors and are encouraged to continue their volunteer service.
The commitment to use their newfound knowledge and skills to give back to their community is what makes Community Recycling Ambassador volunteers so special!
Get help from a Community Recycling Ambassador
If you have a project or event that could use Community Recycling Ambassador volunteers, email Kirsten Wahlberg at kirsten.wahlberg@hennepin.us.
Applicable volunteer opportunities for Community Recycling Ambassadors can include:
- Designing and implementing waste reduction and recycling plans
- Staffing booths and monitoring waste at events
- Creating educational resources and displays
- Giving educational talks/presentations to all ages
- Food rescue activities
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