West University Place opens registration for recycling certification course that begins in January

West University Place is inviting environmentally-friendly earth enthusiasts throughout the Greater Houston area to gain hands-on experience becoming a “master recycler” by enrolling in an eight-week certified recycling/composting course to fine-tune their recycling and waste reduction skills.

Starting Jan.19 until March 9, the two-hour class will take place Thursday evenings at the West University Place Recreational Center, 4210 Bellaire Blvd., from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with an optional field trip opportunity, according to the city’s news release.

Registration is open for West U residents for $35, while nonresidents can participate for $45. The fee covers a t-shirt, badge, transportation for the field trip and refreshments.

Examples of the topics the course will cover include: origins of landfills; curbside recycling guidelines; backyard composting; waste reduction; how to use earthworms to consume food scraps and decompose waste; sustainability and more, according to the city.

In addition to the course material, participants will be equipped with the skills to engage with others on the topic and initiate recycling efforts that can be passed onto other community members. In order to be certified, participants must complete 20 hours of volunteering as a recycling ambassador for a project of their choosing or one suggested in the course.

Free courses are also available. A two-hour workshop on curbside recycling is scheduled for Jan. 26 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. For those interested in learning more about backyard composting, the two-hour workshop will be offered Feb. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. or Feb. 18 from 9 a.m.-noon.

All courses will take place at the recreation center. To enroll, visit: www.westutx.gov/recyclecourse