Are you passionate about recycling, composting, and reducing waste? If you find yourself carrying your apple core home because there’s no compost bin in sight, or if you just want to be a part of a like-minded group of people who all care about the environment, then becoming a Waste Warrior volunteer might be the perfect opportunity for you.
Who Are the Waste Warriors?
Waste Warriors are dedicated volunteers trained by CSWD to assist at various events throughout Chittenden County. Their primary role is to help event attendees properly sort their waste into recycling, composting, and trash, ensuring that as much material as possible is diverted from Vermont’s only landfill. Beyond waste sorting, Waste Warriors educate the public, create a culture of environmental responsibility within the community, and get to attend concerts and events for free!
What Do Waste Warriors Do?
Once trained, Waste Warriors volunteer at local events such as farmers’ markets, festivals, and concerts. Their responsibilities include:
- Monitoring Waste Stations: Guiding event-goers in correctly sorting their waste, ensuring recyclables, compost, and trash are placed in the appropriate containers.
- Educating the Public: Providing information and answering any questions on recycling and composting, helping attendees understand the importance of waste diversion.
- Improving Event Sustainability: Increasing the event’s overall sustainability and providing feedback on opportunities for improvement.
Volunteers enjoy perks such as free admission to events or free food vouchers, not to mention the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in their community.
How to Become a Waste Warrior
Joining the Waste Warrior team is straightforward and begins with attending a free training session. During this 1.5-hour session, you’ll connect with like-minded individuals and learn:
- What Goes Where: Learn about what can go into recycling and composting containers, and what should be thrown away instead. It’s not always as easy as you think— there are a lot of different kinds of materials and products out there!
- Effective Communication Skills: Develop strategies to engage and educate event attendees, enhancing their understanding of waste management.
- Event Waste Management: Learn how to help events up their game in making sure as much as possible stays out of the landfill!
After completing the training, you’ll gain access to our volunteer event calendar and will be eligible to sign up for events across Chittenden County. There are two upcoming training sessions if you are interested in getting involved this summer:
- Thursday, May 15th from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the CSWD Administration Office.
- Tuesday, May 20th from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the CSWD Administration Office.
If you’re unable to attend a scheduled training or don’t see any upcoming sessions, send us an email.
We hope you join our amazing crew of Waste Warriors!