The 2026 UConn Master Composter Certification Program is planned as a hybrid program with two in-person Saturday sessions and two online Weekday evening sessions. Participants are expected to attend all four required class sessions. 

In-person classes will be held at the Middlesex County Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT 06438. Online classes will be held by WebEx, Microsoft Teams, or another UConn-approved online platform. 

(Speaker names and timing are subject to final confirmation) 

• Class 1: Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., in person at the Middlesex County Extension Center in Haddam. Topics: welcome and program overview; basic composting principles; compost chemistry, contaminants, and testing with Robert J. Rafka, PhD; compost bins; compost display area tour. 
• Class 2: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 6:30-9:00 p.m., online. Topics: designing a compost recipe and using compost calculators with Domingo Medina, PhD; diverting food waste and community composting from a municipal perspective. 
• Class 3: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 6:30-9:00 p.m., online. Topics: earthworms and ecosystem impacts with Josef Görres, PhD; compost and phosphorus/using finished compost in the landscape; community composting and public education examples with Alice Ely. 
• Class 4: Saturday, November 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., in person at the Middlesex County Extension Center in Haddam. Topics: vermicomposting, microbial life in soil/compost, and worm bin practices with Monique Bosch; worm day practical session and make-your-own worm bin activity with Patrick McIntosh; outreach requirements and final Q&A. 
• Optional field trip: Date and location to be determined. The optional field trip is not required for certification. 

There are no required textbooks or assigned readings for this class. However, participants are encouraged to have at least one good composting reference book for background reading and future outreach work. 

Two recommended books are: 

• The Rodale Book of Composting, edited by Deborah L. Martin and Grace Gershuny, Rodale Press, 1992. ISBN: 0-87857-991-5. 
• The Complete Compost Gardening Guide, by Barbara Pleasant and Deborah L. Martin, Storey Publishing, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-58017-702-3. 

Additional useful resources include the Cornell Waste Management Institute Master Composter Program Guide and Resource Manual, especially the Master Composter Resource Manual section. 

The New York City Master Composter Manual is also a helpful resource, particularly for participants interested in compost education, outreach activities, and community-based composting programs. If the direct link is difficult to locate, search online for “NYC Master Composter Manual.” 

Instructors may provide short handouts, worksheets, calculator links, or reading materials before individual sessions. 

Each Master Composter intern must complete separate community outreach projects to qualify for certification. The expected outreach commitment is about 20 volunteer hours. 

Outreach projects may include tabling at events, giving presentations, assisting with workshops or demonstrations, working with schools or community gardens, or other approved compost education activities. Details and examples will be discussed during the final class session. 

Participants must attend all required class sessions and complete the required outreach activities to receive a UConn Master Composter Certificate and Badge. The optional field trip is encouraged if offered, but it is not required for certification.