BECOME A COMPOST AND RECYCLING AMBASSADOR
Apply Now for the English Session
Regístrate ahora para la sesión en español
Program Requirements
There are two requirements to complete the Compost and Recycling Ambassador Program (CRA): class attendance and completing volunteer hours. Community members must attend six of seven classes and complete 25 volunteer hours within a year of completing the program to become certified Compost and Recycling Ambassadors.
This program will be held for seven weeks at the Environmental Services Office at 2929 East Willow Street, Long Beach, CA 90806. Classes will be taught through lectures, hands-on activities, games, interactive discussions, and optional field trips (when available).
Space is limited, and community members will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants will be notified and placed on a waitlist if the session reaches capacity. There is no guarantee that space will become available while on the waitlist.
For any questions, please email cra@longbeach.gov
As a Compost and Recycling Ambassador, you are:
- Bridging the gap between awareness and action by motivating your friends, families, co-workers, peers, and community to reduce waste and recycle right.
- Demonstrating the sustainable behaviors we want to see in Long Beach.
- Enhancing the City's ability to reach more people through the creation of this network of passionate community members who educate others on waste reduction, composting, and recycling.
-
Spring 2026 English Schedule
Week
Date
Topic
1
02/19
Program Overview and an Introduction to Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Composting
Learn program objectives, volunteer requirements, and an introduction to the topics you will be learning about.2
02/26
Let’s Talk Recycling!
What can and cannot be recycled and why? Learn the laws and policies that shape our recycling industry.3
03/5
Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste
Learn how to safely dispose of items that are too toxic to trash.4
03/12
Waste Reduction Strategies, Food Waste Prevention, Organics Recycling
Learn waste reduction strategies, how to prevent food waste at home, and all about organics (green carts) recycling in the City.5
03/19
Backyard Composting and Vermicomposting
Learn about two at-home composting methods, backyard composting and vermicomposting, and take a closer look at soil composition and how compost can benefit it. Learn how to address common issues people may encounter while composting and how to solve them using simple troubleshooting techniques, as well as how to harvest and prepare compost for use.6
03/26
How to Volunteer and Community Engagement
Learn about the ways you can volunteer and inspire the public and share your knowledge! Develop skills to connect with local community leaders and local organizations.7
04/16
Group Presentations and Graduation!
Share what you have learned with your classmates. Students will share 5–10-minute presentations with the class. We will also celebrate the completion of the in-class portion of the program. -
Spring 2026 Spanish Schedule
Week Date Topic 1 02/21
Program Overview and an Introduction to Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Composting
Learn program objectives, volunteer requirements, and an introduction to the topics you will be learning about.2 02/28 Let’s Talk about Recycling!
What can and cannot be recycled and why? Learn the laws and policies that shape our recycling industry.3 03/07 Household Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste
Learn how to safely dispose of items that are too toxic to trash and ways to prevent food waste at home.4 03/14 Waste Reduction Strategies, Food Waste Prevention, and Organics Recycling
Learn waste reduction strategies, how to prevent food waste at home, and all about organics (green carts) recycling in the City.5 03/21 Backyard Composting and Vermicomposting
Learn about two at-home composting methods, backyard composting and vermicomposting, and take a closer look at soil composition and how compost can benefit it. Learn how to address common issues people may encounter while composting and how to solve them using simple troubleshooting techniques, as well as how to harvest and prepare compost for use.6 03/28 How to Volunteer as an Ambassador and Community Engagement
Learn about the ways you can volunteer and inspire your community and share your knowledge! Develop skills to connect with local community leaders and local organizations.7 04/18 Group Presentations and Graduation!
Share what you have learned with your classmates. Students will share 5–10-minute presentations with the class. We will also celebrate the completion of the in-class portion of the program.
Find Us Online:
