Compost Ambassador is a new training program offered by University of Illinois Extension Cook County. 

The four 2-hour sessions cover Composting Basics, Usage, Quality, and Municipal and Community Composting. The training includes an optional field trip to a commercial composting facility and a one-time volunteer opportunity to participate in a Community Compost Collection to share your new knowledge and make an immediate impact by removing organic materials from the waste stream. 

Topics covered include:

• How to compost: backyard, three-bin, tumbler method, vermicomposting, and more;
• The science of composting: why compost is such a valuable soil amendment;
• Troubleshooting your pile: smell abatement and critter mitigation;
• How to join composting movements in your local community; and
• Practical ways to create and advocate for a strong culture of composting in Illinois.

Class meets online via Zoom on a weekday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Attendance at and participation in these lectures is expected. Dedication to course materials outside of class time is expected. The optional in-person volunteer opportunity and optional field trip will scheduled for a Saturday. 

We offered a pilot of this new program during Winter 2022. If you'd like to be added to an interest list for a future Compost  Ambassador program in Cook County, contact Sarah Batka via email or call 217-300-8636.