Columbia Springs

explore experience learn

Master Composter & Recycler Program

wormshop

The Master Composter/Recycler Program is a program of Columbia Springs and is a cooperative effort of Clark County, the City of Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Yacolt, and La Center.

The program is located on the Columbia Springs campus at 12602 SE Evergreen Highway SE Evergreen Highway in Vancouver, WA. For further information email mcr@columbiasprings.org or call (360) 882-0936 ext. 224.

The Master Composter/Recycler Program educates and inspires the community on backyard composting and organic waste diversion methods and waste reduction and recycling. Trained volunteers do this education through Backyard Composting workshops, attending community events with composting and recycling how-to information, low-cost Community Wormshops, composting demonstration sites, teacher worm bin workshops and speakers for neighborhood or community groups.

The program offers composting bins for sale at a reduced cost: Seattle Composters $40 and Earth Machines $40.  Compost machines are sold by appointment. Cash or check only. To arrange to purchase a compost bin email mcr@columbiasprings.org


Composting Demonstration Sites
The Master Composter/Recycler program operates two composting demonstration sites in Clark County where visitors can view different bins and systems and see compost being made. These sites are open to the public daily during daylight hours. The locations are:

Columbia Springs, 12602 SE Evergreen Hwy. Vancouver. The site is located on south side of the Heron House at the east end of the hatchery complex. For directions please see site map here: here

CASEE, 11104 NE 149th, Brush Prairie. Demonstration site is located at the west end of the center's gardens.

If composting and recycling fascinate you, and you are interested in a wonderful community service opportunity, consider becoming a Master Composter/Recycler volunteer! Our volunteers work with schools, community groups, and the general public providing research based education that is helping our community reduce the volume of material going to the landfill and improving soils countywide! See our Become a Master Composter/Recycler section for more details.

The objectives of the Master Composter/Recycler program are:

  • To reduce the amount of organic waste and recyclable materials being disposed of in landfills to help meet the state mandated recycling goals.
  • To "close the loop" and foster sustainability by helping the community to reduce waste at the source - the home and backyard.
  • To educate the public that recyclable materials and organic debris can be an asset rather than a liability and illustrate the ease and benefits of composting and recycling.
  • To provide educational materials and answer questions on composting and recycling methods.
  • To provide the opportunity for personal and professional growth of individuals volunteering for the program.