Ken Taylor received his certificate and badge to become the newest Porter County Certified Master Recycler.
The Hebron resident was recognized at the recent Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction board meeting. He completed 30 volunteer hours, thereby fulfilling all requirements of the Porter County Master Recycler Program, sponsored by the district.
Taylor fulfilled his educational requirement by attending classes, featuring experts who talked about recycling processes, landfills, household hazardous waste, vermicomposting, backyard composting, electronics recycling and more. The program also included field trips.
"Ken is the 19th person to complete all of the program requirements since the program began in 2014,” said Donna Stuckert, district public education coordinator. "He played an important role in this agency’s educational goals. He volunteered at events we participate in to help educate others about waste reduction. He also helped people learn about rain barrels and how to connect them at the Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration.
“Rain barrels and water quality are of special interest to him,” Stuckert said. “He took that interest and expertise and helped others learn how they can make a difference. That’s what the Master Recycler program is all about.”
The purpose of the Porter County Master Recycler Program is to create a volunteer pool of knowledgeable residents who help to educate and inspire others in the community to reduce waste at home and work. Master Recycler Programs originated in the Pacific Northwest, and many have sprouted up throughout the United States.
The next Master Recycler class is scheduled to begin Sept. 12 in Valparaiso. Anyone who lives or works in Porter County can register for the next class on the district's website, www.PorterCountyRecycling.org. For more information, call 465-3819.
The Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County is an agency dedicated to improving the environment and quality of life by providing services and educational programs which help residents reduce, reuse, and recycle.