UConn Master Composters extend the impact of the program by sharing composting information with the public. Outreach is the heart of the train-the-trainer model: participants learn science-based composting practices and then help others apply those practices in homes, schools, gardens, and communities. 

Outreach activities can be initiated by Master Composters or completed in response to requests from schools, municipalities, community groups, libraries, fairs, farmers markets, Extension offices, and other partners. Our efforts are quite varied.  Requests for Master Composter participants also come through the program coordinator, who solicit Master Composter volunteers to fulfill them. 

• Staffing an educational table at a farmers market, garden fair, county fair, Earth Day event, or community gathering 
• Giving a composting presentation for a library, civic group, community garden, school, municipality, or garden club 
• Helping a school or community garden develop or improve a composting system 
• Demonstrating how to build, maintain, or troubleshoot backyard compost bins or worm bins 
• Preparing composting displays, handouts, or educational materials for public events 
• Supporting compost education at UConn Extension Centers or approved partner sites 
• Helping residents understand common composting problems such as odor, pests, moisture, browns/greens balance, and finished compost use 

To become certified, Master Composter interns must complete two approved outreach projects totaling about 20 volunteer hours. Outreach activities should focus on compost education and should be reported using the Submit Outreach Hours form. 

Participants are encouraged to discuss planned outreach activities with the program coordinator if they are unsure whether an activity qualifies. 

The Master Composter Program has a long history of volunteer outreach across Connecticut. Past Master Composters have given presentations, staffed information tables, assisted schools and community gardens, developed displays, and helped install or improve composting systems at public and community sites. 

Since its inception in 2009 through to the fall of 2022, UConn Master Composter volunteers have donated 7,219 hours of their time educating the public about composting.  These efforts have reached over 54,419 people (youth and adults)! The value of these volunteer contributions is almost $200,000 (based on a value of $27.70 per hour of volunteer work). 

Master Composters have given presentations to municipalities, civic and agricultural organizations, spiritual groups, community gardeners, K-12 school students, and college students. Other volunteers have assisted schools and community gardens by providing assistance and advice to develop and manage composting systems. Our volunteers have prepared written materials about composting and developed promotional and educational displays.  The displays include mini ‘to-scale’ models of types of composting structures, handcrafted by handy volunteers. 

Other projects include hand-crafted three bin wooden composting systems at county UConn Extension Centers, schools, and nature and retreat centers throughout the state. 

Opportunities for sharing composting knowledge are many and varied.  Every volunteer will find a good match!