Free Classes
The Riverside County Department of Waste Resources offers various environmental education classes broadly related to waste mitigation, built environment improvements, and sustainability. Class instructors provide attendees with professional learning and instructional materials that demonstrate environmental diversion themes such as Composting/Vermicomposting, Recycling 1-2-3, Green Landscaping, and more! Attendees from all educational backgrounds, age groups, and interests are welcome to join. Classes are offered live throughout the year as well as on-demand in our resource section.
2025 Class Schedule
Backyard Composting, Vermicomposting, & Make Your Own Worm Bin
Overview: Take your gardening game to the next level! Discover the benefits of composting, the process of turning organic waste materials into a soil amendment. Each class is Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM. Compost session starts at 9 AM followed by Vermicompost and Make Your Own Worm Bin session at 10 AM.
Vermicomposting bin kits are available for purchase for county residents at each class. County residents may also bring their own materials to build a worm bin. See Vermicomposting webpage for more information. The Department of Waste Resources will provide use of the required tools at the class. Participants that complete their worm bins will be provided live worms.
Location: 14310 Frederick St. Moreno Valley, CA, 92553
Dates:
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, August 2, 2025, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, September 6, 2025, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Saturday, November 1, 2025, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Master Composter Training & Certificate Program
The Master Composter Training & Certificate Program (virtual or in-person) aims to cover the following goals:
• Explore various home composting options and the variety of materials that can be composted.
• Understand the biology associated with different composting systems.
• Discover the benefits and uses of compost.
• Learn about alternative methods to reduce yard waste.
• Gain hands-on experience in both composting and vermicomposting.
• Acquire the skills to troubleshoot issues related to compost and vermicompost.
• Learn how to effectively utilize finished compost and vermicompost in your garden.
We offer two training options:
Option 1: In-Person Training
The In Person training course consists of four formal instruction sessions at a specific location in Riverside County. Master Composter trainees will watch as instructor and volunteers build and maintain a compost pile. To become proficient with composting, trainees are encouraged to build and maintain their own compost pile during the training. Upon completion, successful students will receive a certificate of completion.
Location: La Quinta Wellness Center, 78-450 Avenida La Fonda, La Quinta, CA 92253
Dates: March 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Riverside County Department of Waste Resources, 14310 Frederick Street, Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Dates: July 12, 19, 26, August 9
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 Sixth Street, Temecula, CA 92592
Dates: October 18 & 25 November 8 & 15
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Option 2: Virtual Self-Paced Training
The student has three months to complete the Virtual Self-Paced Training course at their own pace, including all recordings, reading material, online quizzes. Upon completion, successful students will receive a certificate of completion.